By Desire Emmanuel
Eighteen men have been arrested by men of the Nigerian Army while they were on their way to supply foodstuffs as well as other items to the Boko Haram terrorists inside the forests.
The Nigerian Army announced their arrest in a statement on Wednesday, March 25, saying they were apprehended following intelligence reports regarding their activities and their links to the dreaded insurgents.
According to reports, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested the individuals while moving through Gubio towards the Gudumbali axis in Borno State to deliver supplies to terrorist elements.
It was gathered that during their interrogation after arrest, their confessions suggested that they were drawn into the illicit trade largely due to personal economic challenges, reflecting how criminal groups continue to exploit vulnerable persons for their operations.
“The Nigerian Army strongly warns all citizens against any form of collaboration with terrorist groups. Providing logistics, intelligence, or assistance to such elements remains a serious offence, with grave consequences for national security and the safety of innocent lives,” the statement added.
The various security agencies have been having issues with residents, especially in the North-East who are not only sympathetic to the dreaded group but also supply them with foodstuffs, petroleum products and other items.
Many of the residents had been arrested and charged to courts but this has not deterred others from continuing to give assistance to the group.
