Nigerian Troops Cripple Insurgency: Key Boko Haram Collaborators and Drone Suppliers Arrested in North-East Crackdown

 

​The fight against terrorism in Nigeria has reached a critical turning point as the Nigerian Army, through the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, successfully dismantled a high-value logistics and surveillance network. In a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations across Adamawa and Borno states, troops have apprehended key suspected Boko Haram collaborators, neutralised a top commander, and seized advanced technology intended for insurgent use. This breakthrough underscores the military's shifting strategy toward cutting off the "lifeblood" of the insurgency—its logistics and intelligence chains.

​The Crackdown in Adamawa: Neutralizing the Logistics Chain

​On Thursday, February 19, 2026, troops of Sector 4, operating under the 28 Task Force Brigade, executed a precision operation in the Visik General area of the Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Working in close synergy with local vigilantes and hunters—who provide invaluable grassroots intelligence—the military apprehended 28-year-old Ismail Muhammed.

​Muhammed has been identified by military authorities as a primary logistics supplier for the insurgents. The significance of this arrest cannot be overstated; without a steady flow of food, ammunition, and gear, insurgent cells in the mountainous regions of the North-East face rapid degradation. During the arrest, troops recovered a cache of items, including:

• ​An AK-47 magazine and multiple rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
• ​Assorted military accoutrements.
• ​Large quantities of foodstuffs destined for terrorist hideouts.

​By removing Muhammed from the field, the military has effectively choked a vital supply route that sustained operations in the Hong-Madagali axis.

​High-Stakes Ambush: The Fall of Commander Abdullahi Mafa

​The success in Adamawa was followed by a tactical ambush in the Madagali Local Government Area. Troops positioned along the strategic Visik River line engaged a group of terrorists in a fierce gun battle. In the ensuing exchange, a notorious terrorist commander identified as Abdullahi Mafa was neutralised.

​Mafa’s death represents a significant blow to the leadership structure of the insurgents in the region. Military analysts suggest that the loss of field commanders often leads to confusion and desertion among lower-ranking fighters. Following the skirmish, an AK-47 rifle and a fully loaded magazine were recovered from the scene, further depleting the enemy's hardware.

​Technological Warfare: Arrest of the Drone Supplier

​Perhaps the most alarming and impressive part of the recent operation was the arrest of 64-year-old Dauda Usman Gubula. In a world where asymmetric warfare increasingly relies on technology, Gubula was identified as a suspected terrorist collaborator and drone supplier. He was apprehended at the Madagali Motor Park following actionable intelligence.

​The use of drones by Boko Haram and ISWAP has become a growing concern for the Nigerian military. These devices are often used for:

1. ​Surveillance: Monitoring troop movements to plan ambushes.
2. ​Propaganda: Recording high-quality footage for recruitment videos.
3. ​Targeting: Identifying weak points in military formations.

​The arrest of a 64-year-old "technological intermediary" suggests that the insurgency is leveraging diverse demographics and unconventional sources to acquire sophisticated equipment. This arrest is a testament to the heightened vigilance of the Nigerian intelligence services.

​The Role of Operation Hadin Kai and Local Vigilantes

​The success of these operations is largely attributed to the improved collaboration between the Nigerian Army and local stakeholders. The statement released by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, emphasized that the inclusion of local hunters and vigilantes has been a "game-changer." These locals understand the difficult terrain of the North-East and can identify suspicious movements that might go unnoticed by conventional forces.