TheCable

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly arrested some women near Maiduguri, the Borno capital, for delivering foodstuffs and petrol to insurgents.

Some of the suspects arrested by troops of 195 battalion of operation Hadin Kai were identified as Hadiza Ali, Kelo Abba, Mariam Aji, Kamsilum Ali, Ngubdo Modu and Abiso Lawan.

According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on counter-insurgency operations, an intelligence officer said “large quantities of logistics” meant for insurgents were discovered with the suspects.

“During search, different items including large quantities of fuel, mosquito nets, noodles, among others, were recovered,” the officer was quoted as saying.

“Upon systematic interrogation, the females confessed to being Boko Haram members operating within Muna Garage IDP camp, Mafa, and Dikwa, with their fighters’ camp at Boboshe and Gulumba riverline in Dikwa LGA.

“They revealed that the garri was packed in the gallons in order to beat checkpoints and also to help preserve it against rain, as the garri and other items are buried in the ground at their agreed exchange points, where their fighters collect them.

“They also admitted acquiring, for their fighters, kidnap targets based on valuation of individuals, based on sometimes number of cows owned or size of farms.

“They also informed troops that they were given money ranging from N50,000 to N20,000 for each trip, and went for about two to three trips a day, depending on the activities of soldiers.

“Following this information, troops immediately embarked on a follow-up operation to the Boko Haram camp and contact was made around Gaza where one Boko Haram member was neutralised.”

Five people were also said to have been rescued by the troops.