Nigerian Troops Detain Drone Supplier Linked to Boko Haram

A collaborative effort among security forces, which includes personnel from Operation Hadin Kai, vigilantes, and hunters, resulted in the apprehension of Dauba Gubula, a 64-year-old individual believed to be a collaborator with terrorists by supplying them with drones in the North-east region.

Gubula's arrest occurred at a transportation hub in Madagali, recognized as one of the areas in Adamawa State that has suffered tremendously from the Boko Haram insurgency. This information was confirmed by the spokesman for Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, in a statement released on a Friday morning.

Authorities recovered two aerial drones, various drone accessories, and 20 solar power banks from the suspect.

In a recent editorial, PREMIUM TIMES highlighted concerns regarding the use of aerial drones by insurgents in the North-east and advocated for a unified military approach to combat this emerging threat.

Last year, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) conducted a violent campaign dubbed "Camp Holocaust” targeting numerous military bases in the Lake Chad region, employing armed drones to drop explosives on military targets, resulting in some troops being caught in crossfire.

While the Nigerian Army reported thwarting several of these attacks, propaganda videos released by the group indicated that insurgent fighters, assisted by foreign instructors, had successfully killed some soldiers.

In addition to Gubula's arrest, Uba announced that troops achieved other operational successes in Adamawa and Borno states. For instance, soldiers from Sector 4 of the 28 Task Force Brigade detained Ismail Muhammed, 28, a logistics supporter for terrorists, in the vicinity of Visik General within the Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The apprehension took place on Thursday, with officials confiscating one AK-47 magazine, 7.62mm ammunition, military gear, and various food items from the suspect.

Currently, the suspect is in custody and undergoing further investigation, according to Uba.

In a distinct operation in Madagali, troops reportedly “neutralised” a terrorist leader named Abdullahi Mafa during an ambush along the Visik River line.

From Mafa, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition magazine were recovered, Uba stated.

Meanwhile, in Ngamdu, Borno State, soldiers collaborating with local vigilantes and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) successfully repelled a terror attempt and killed an informant who was trying to breach their defensive positions.

Officials reiterated that these ongoing missions are integral to disrupting Boko Haram supply chains, restoring security, and safeguarding communities in the North-east region. The Military High Command praised the troops for their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, urging them to maintain their operational momentum.