TheCable

The Nigeria army says it has arrested 33 suspected food suppliers of Boko Haram.

The army disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Sani Usman, army spokesman, the suspects were arrested on their way to supply the insurgents food at a town in Borno state.

“Intensive patrols and vigilance of troops have continued to yield positive results with the arrest of 33 suspected food suppliers to the Boko Haram terrorists in Damboa axis around Azir-Wajiroko road, Borno State,” he said.

“The 33 suspected Boko Haram accomplices were arrested with large quantity of food stuffs meant for Boko Haram terrorists at Korode.

“Nine of the 33 suspects are from Korode, five from Auma, 10 from Geargube, four from Kausautaya, four from Bulbul and one from Dolomi villages. Although some of the suspects claimed to be traders, they did not however deny buying and selling food items to the terrorists. Interrogation is still ongoing to further unravel the level of involvement of the suspects.”

He added that in a related development, troops on clearance operations of Boko Haram hideouts discovered and successfully destroyed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram terrorists at Sandia village along Korode road.

“Furthermore, more men, women and children were rescued from the terrorists at Buduwa area along Bama axis,” he said.

“The rescued persons were part of those abducted by Boko Haram terrorists at Buduwa general area in Bama local government area of Borno state, which was earlier occupied by the terrorists.

“It should be noted that the Nigerian military is trying hard to ensure safety of the rescued persons but not taking anything for granted as some of them are suspected terrorists.”

The latest feat of the army is coming three days after it announced the arrest of some suspects who supply drugs and provide logistics to the insurgents.

On Monday, the Nigeria defence headquarters said Boko Haram had been degraded, adding that the group could no longer seize any territory.

Earlier on Wednesday, the army said its men captured and de-radicalised more than 200 Boko Haram insurgents in Adamawa state.