The Department of State Services (DSS) in a joint operation with the forest Guard has reportedly confiscated a large cargo of medical supplies allegedly intended for fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The interception which is said to have taken place on Friday in Kaga Local Government Area during a coordinated operation. In a suspected supply route used by insurgent logistics networks operating within and around forested areas in the state.
During the operation, substantial quantities of pain-relief medications, anti-malaria injections, and antibiotics were recovered from the suspects. Including other pharmaceutical products, alongside basic consumables believed to form part of a battlefield resupply package.
However, the official statement about the operational details is yet to be disclosed. Rather the interception was described as part of intensified efforts to dismantle insurgent logistics networks. Most especially those facilitating the movement of medical and material support to remote terrorist enclaves.
According to the source, the consignment was linked to suspected efforts to replenish ISWAP fighters who reportedly suffered heavy casualties. And operational setbacks during recent intelligence-driven operations involving United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and Nigerian security forces.
Reportedly, the intercepted materials have since been taken into custody for forensic examination. While the security agencies have launched further investigations to identify those behind the supply chain. And also uncover any wider network involved in the procurement and transportation of the items.
Apparently, the development underscores continuing efforts by security agencies to cut off support channels sustaining insurgent activities across the North-East.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
