Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 149 Battalion have arrested eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP/JAS) logistics suppliers in Gubio town, in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspects were found with 28 jerrycans and one drum of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in shops and a Point of Sale (POS) center, intended for onward delivery to the terrorists.

A source at the Army headquarters in Abuja told The Nation Tuesday morning that troops and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested a notorious oil facility vandal in Bayelsa State, while a joint operation by the 17 Brigade at Forward Operating Base Malumfashi, the Nigeria Police, and local vigilantes, rescued five kidnap victims in Gidan Kwairo village, in Katsina State.

The source said: “In other operational breakthroughs, troops of 149 Battalion, while on a logistics strangulation mission within Gubio Town, Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, apprehended 8 suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers.

“The suspects were found with 28 jerrycans and one drum of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in shops and a POS centre. Troops also recovered ?145,510 in cash and five mobile phones intended for onward delivery to terrorists.

“Meanwhile, troops of 17 Brigade at Forward Operating Base Malumfashi, working with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, responded to a distress call at Gidan Kwairo village in Katsina State. The swift response forced terrorists to abandon five kidnapped victims, who were rescued unharmed.

“Sadly, the terrorists killed one civilian while another sustained gunshot injuries and was evacuated to Malumfashi General Hospital. Troops have since intensified patrols to reassure locals and restore normalcy.”

According to a military source, the Army’s ongoing efforts to protect oil facilities, prevent oil theft, and curb criminal activities in the South-South region have yielded results, with troops recently arresting a notorious oil facility vandal in Bayelsa State.

“The arrest, which was carried out on 7 September 2025 by troops of 5 Battalion in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Abili Security Services at Okordia in Yenagoa Local Government Area, dealt a significant blow to sabotage of critical oil infrastructure.

“The suspect has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation,” he said. (The Nation)

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