Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, say they have intercepted and recovered more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across the North-East theatre of operations.

The Sector Commander, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, disclosed this during a briefing with defence correspondents on ongoing intelligence-driven “strangulation operations” targeting terrorist logistics and communication networks.

Martins said the devices—linked to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service—were recovered during sustained military operations conducted in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and other identified insurgent enclaves.

He explained that the seizures form part of a wider strategy aimed at cutting off insurgents from critical operational support systems, including communication, logistics, and supply chains.

“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom of movement for supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational materials across the theatre,” he said.

According to him, terrorist groups rely heavily on civilian-linked supply networks and local collaborators to move food, fuel, drugs, communication gadgets, and spare parts into remote hideouts.

He noted that while some individuals collaborate voluntarily, others do so under coercion and intimidation.

“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some act willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” he stated.

Martins further revealed that troops had infiltrated multiple logistics networks used by insurgents through sustained intelligence operations targeting transporters, traders, and supply syndicates operating across the region.

He said hundreds of suspected logistics suppliers, couriers, and collaborators have been arrested in ongoing operations designed to dismantle insurgent support structures.

“It will interest you to know that arrests are made on a daily basis. So far, we have disrupted over 400 logistics-related networks supporting terrorist operations,” he added.
The commander also disclosed the interception of consignments including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), drugs, medical supplies, food items, and spare parts suspected to be destined for terrorist camps.

He said the items were intercepted along major supply corridors stretching from Kano through Nguru into the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest, and adjoining areas.

Martins noted that livestock markets had also been exploited by insurgents to dispose of rustled animals and generate funding for operations. In response, security agencies and local authorities have introduced stricter verification measures requiring proof of ownership before livestock sales are approved.

“If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” he said.

He added that ongoing strangulation operations had significantly weakened terrorist logistics networks and reduced their operational flexibility across the theatre.

Martins also said sustained military pressure had forced several insurgents and their families to surrender, while others continue to lose freedom of movement and operational capacity.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 to intensify offensive operations and sustain pressure on terrorist networks across the North-East.