54-year-old suspected Boko Haram fuel supplier arrested in Borno

Sunday, September 28, 2025 - Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 54-year-old suspected Boko Haram fuel supplier in Borno State.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, who made this known in a statement said troops have maintained momentum in the fight against insurgency, recording significant successes under Operation Desert Sanity IV, between 19 and 24 September 2025 in Borno and Adamawa States.

According to him, the suspect was caught with 23 bottles of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a bag while travelling along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road

“On 23 September, troops of 112 Task Force Battalion at Forward Operating Base Ngwom arrested a suspect identified as Thomas James (54 years old) with 23 bottles of PMS concealed in a bag,” the statement read. 

“He was attempting to board a vehicle to Gamboru Ngala from Maiduguri when intercepted. Preliminary findings link him to terrorist fuel supply lines. He has been handed over to 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for investigation.”

Other key achievements during the week include: Interception of 21 jerricans of smuggled fuel seized in Mubi axis; large quantities of urea fertilizer intercepted in Mubi Central Market while one terrorist was neutralised in an ambush near Alau Dam, Borno,

“On 19 September, troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical) and Sector 4 Special Forces seized 7 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Vintim, Mubi South LGA. On 21 September, troops intercepted 9 jerricans of PMS along Fillin Ball–Gella road in Mubi South,” the statement added. 

"Additionally, on 24 September, another 5 jerricans of PMS were seized at Tsamiya, Mubi North of Adamawa State.

"Equally, on 21 and 24 September, troops uncovered quantities of urea fertilizer in Mubi Central Market. Suspected suppliers fled, abandoning the products. These consistent interceptions have dealt a blow to terrorist logistics and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) -making capacity.

“On 22 September, troops of 73 Battalion (Motorised), working with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hybrid Forces, mounted an ambush at Kolori Karumi, west of Alau Dam in Borno State. At about 10:15 pm, contact was made and troops neutralised one suspected Boko Haram scout.” 

"On 24 September, following credible intelligence, troops of 232 Battalion with hunters arrested Ahmadu Buba (31 years old) in Garkida, Gombi LGA. 

“The suspect, from Sabon Gari Kimba in Damboa, confessed to joining Boko Haram in April 2025 and admitted to involvement in attacks at Mandaragirau Sabon Gari Kimba (August 2025) and the destruction of Mandahuma Bridge (June 2025).”

The Military High Command lauded troops for the impressive battle performance ,while urging them to sustain the aggressive posture and operational tempo.