Troops nab NURTW members allegedly smuggling arms to Terrorists in Borno — DHQ.

By Cletus Nwankwo

In a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, Nigerian troops have arrested members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) allegedly involved in smuggling arms to terrorist groups in Borno State.

The development was disclosed during a recent media briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who detailed the coordinated intelligence-led operation that intercepted the suspects en route to deliver the cache of weapons.

The arrest underscores the evolving tactics of terror collaborators and highlights the military’s intensified surveillance and crackdown on illicit networks fueling insurgency in the North-East. The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to dismantling all support systems aiding terrorist elements across the country.

Major General Kangye noted that the suspects, identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were apprehended in Liya, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State while taking delivery of a waybill from a truck driver, in line with prior intelligence received by security forces.

“Two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed were arrested in Liya, Biu LGA of Borno State while receiving waybill from a truck driver, which corresponded with intelligence received earlier on the said consignment.

“The items include 13 pairs of military uniforms and some high-voltage batteries amongst others,” he said.

Kangye said troops also arrested another terrorist’s logistics supplier known as Shaibu Bulama, 65 years old at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State on 13 July 2025.

“Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered. They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, while the sum of N17,150.00 was also recovered.

“As a result of sustained military operations in the North East theatre, 16 family members of terrorists, including four adult females and 12 children, surrendered to troops in Bama LGA on 14 July 2025.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the group surrendered from Bakura Jega village, ” he added.

Meanwhile, in the South East, Kangye said troops arrested a tax collector for the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He said the suspect was allegedly commissioned by the separatist group to collect levies from local residents.

Kangye said ₦1.5 million was recovered from the arrested tax agent.