Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested five suspected smugglers and recovered a large quantity of materials during a coordinated operation along border communities between Borno and Yobe States.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of April 19 by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The suspects were intercepted along a bush path linking Yunusari–Bukarti to the Kaula and Gamari axis, spanning Abadam and Yunusari Local Government Areas, locations often associated with informal cross-border movement.
According to the sources, the suspects were travelling in three Golf vehicles when they were stopped by the troops.

The use of such routes, away from official checkpoints, has been identified by security agencies as a common tactic for smuggling and the movement of goods without scrutiny.
The five suspects were identified as Ari Chune, 28, from Diffa; Umara Sani, 24, from Damasak in Borno State; as well as Tujjani Bogo, 32; Haruna Ibrahim, 17; and Lawan Ahmadu, 18, all from Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

A significant quantity of items was recovered during the operation. These include 39 solar panels, 10 surface pumping machines, 470 pieces of 2×2 wood, and 64 plastic fibre roofing sheets.
In addition, troops recovered 4 Android smartphones, 1 Tecno mobile phone, and a total sum of ₦223,200 in cash.

Security officials say the nature of the recovered items suggests they may have been intended for use in remote locations where access to basic infrastructure is limited.
Such materials, authorities note, can be diverted for logistical support in areas affected by insurgency, particularly within hard-to-reach settlements.

The suspects and all recovered items are currently in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade, where further investigations are ongoing.
Military sources indicate that efforts are being made to determine the destination of the materials and whether the suspects have any links to wider smuggling networks or insurgent groups operating within the North-East region.

The military authorities emphasized that the operation forms part of sustained efforts to disrupt illegal supply chains and cut off access to resources that could aid insurgent activities.
The North-East has continued to witness security operations aimed at weakening such networks, especially across porous border communities where monitoring remains a challenge.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining pressure on smuggling routes and ensuring that materials capable of supporting criminal or insurgent activities are intercepted before reaching their intended destinations.