The Nigerian Army has arrested five businessmen over an alleged offence of indulging in terrorism in Borno State.
Operatives of the military arm intercepted the bandits who were in a vehicle in possession of cash to the tune of N37 million concealed in bags, after which they were announced as suspects aiding bandits who have carried out several banditry acts in the North east.
The Army operatives also disclosed that several mobile phones believed to be used for coordination and financial transactions tied to armed groups were also recovered from the gang.
The operation, conducted by troops under the Operation HADIN KAI, the Joint Task Force in the North-East tasked with counter-insurgency operations and carried out at a forward checkpoint within Borno State on February 16, 2026.
A statement released yesterday night by the army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the interception marked “a major disruption of financial channels that sustain violent groups.”
Furthermore, the statement indicated that the arrest formed part of a broader strategy to cripple supply networks and funding pipelines that enable insurgent and bandit operations.
“Cutting off their financial lifeline is as critical as confronting them on the battlefield,” Sani Uba said, noting that sustained pressure is being applied on both physical supply routes and monetary conduits.
Meanwhile, in addition to the arrests, troops reportedly intensified ambush and surveillance operations along known transit corridors used by insurgents.
These measures, the command said, are designed to deny armed groups freedom of movement and weaken their capacity to regroup.
