THE Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of four security personnel aiding terrorist operations in the North-East.
The suspects include two personnel from the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops to combat the insurgency.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, the hybrid forces were arrested during operations from April 26 to 29 across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs.
He said they were part of the four terrorist logistics suppliers arrested by the troops.
Kangye expressed concern over the betrayal and warned commanders to sensitise their personnel against acts that could sabotage ongoing military efforts.
“In a well-coordinated operation conducted from 26–29 April 2025 in Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs of Borno and Adamawa States, troops intercepted four terrorists’ logistics suppliers. Sadly, two of them were confirmed to be members of the hybrid forces.”
Kangye therefore urged commanders to sensitise hybrid forces personnel to desist from colluding with or encouraging terrorist acts capable of sabotaging operations.
In a separate operation, Kangye said troops, working in collaboration with hybrid forces, conducted offensive missions including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance operations across Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari Local Government Areas.
He reported that several terrorists were killed, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and caches of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles were recovered.
In the South-South region, Kangye noted that troops also recorded major successes in efforts to curb oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
He said the troops recovered over 86,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and more than 2,600 litres of petrol.
Troops also destroyed dozens of illegal refining sites and seized boats, storage tanks, tricycles, mobile phones, and seven vehicles.
Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via nyahaya@icirnigeria.org and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.