Terrorist financing: Troops intercept 5 suspects with N37m cash in Borno

Army troops of Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted five suspects conveying about N37 million in cash suspected to be linked to terrorist financing.  The suspects were apprehended while travelling in a red Golf wagon with registration number MNG 463 XA en route to Magumeri, Borno State. The vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint by troops on routine security duty, leading to the discovery of the large sum of money concealed inside a Ghana must go bag and a sack. According to preliminary investigation, the two women and three men initially claimed they did not know the total amount in their possession, but later alleged that the cash was meant for distribution to beneficiaries of a non-governmental organisation. Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters  Joint  Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday, February 16, 2026 said the troops also recovered about 10 assorted mobile phones from the suspects during the search. “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained the operational momentum generated from recent successful defensive engagements in Pulka and Madara-Girau, transitioning into deliberate logistics strangulation operations aimed at crippling terrorist sustainment networks across the theatre, the statement read.  “These coordinated actions underscore OPHKs resolve to maintain the initiative, deny terrorists freedom of movement, and systematically dismantle their supply and financing architecture. “On 16 February , 2026, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with Vigilante Forces, executed a well-coordinated night ambush along a known terrorist crossing route frequently used by ISWAP elements transiting from the Cameroon axis into Nigeria.  “The terrorists, unaware of the troops concealed tactical deployment, ran into effective enfilade fire and were forced to withdraw in disarray. “Subsequent exploitation of the contact area led to the recovery of a sizeable cache of critical logistics supplies assessed to be intended for terrorist resupply operations.  “The interception significantly disrupts the terrorists sustainment capacity and operational reach within the area.  “Troops remain in firm control of the general area and are conducting further exploitation operations to consolidate gains.  “In a related development, troops at the Forward Operating Base Chabbal Checkpoint intercepted a suspicious vehicle conveying five occupants.  “A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately Thirty-Seven Million Naira (N37,000,000.00) carefully concealed in bags, alongside multiple mobile phones suspected to be linked to terrorist financing and coordination activities. “The Interception represents a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle financial conduits suspected to support terrorist logistics and operational activities within the theatre. “These coordinated operations demonstrate OPHKs proactive strategy of tightening the noose on terrorist supply chains by simultaneously targeting physical movement corridors and financial enablers.  “The sustained pressure across key transit routes and support networks reflects a deliberate approach to weaken terrorist elements from within and limit their capacity to regenerate combat power. “The Military High Command commended the vigilance, utmost  professionalism , resilience of the troops and collaborating security agencies whose morale and fighting efficiency remain high.  Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mandate to frustrate terrorist ambitions and restore enduring peace and economic  stability across the North East region. The post Terrorist financing: Troops intercept 5 suspects with N37m cash in Borno appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.