Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted five suspects, including two women, with about ₦37 million in cash suspected to be linked to terrorist financing in Borno State.
The suspects were arrested while travelling in a red Golf wagon, with registration number MNG 463 XA, along the Magumeri axis. Soldiers on routine security duty stopped the vehicle at a checkpoint, where a search uncovered the large sum of money concealed in a “Ghana Must Go” bag and a sack.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects—three men and two women—initially claimed ignorance of the exact amount of money in their possession. They later told investigators that the cash was intended for distribution to beneficiaries of a non-governmental organisation, a claim security officials say is being closely scrutinised.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, February 16, 2026, the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Sani Uba, said troops also recovered about 10 assorted mobile phones from the suspects, believed to be connected to coordination and financial activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba explained that the interception forms part of intensified efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to choke off terrorist supply and funding networks across the North East.
According to him, the arrest came amid sustained military operations following recent engagements in Pulka and Madara-Girau, with troops shifting focus to logistics and financial disruption to weaken terrorist groups operating in the region.
In a related operation the same day, troops of Sector 1, working with local vigilante forces, carried out a night ambush along a known terrorist crossing route frequently used by ISWAP elements moving from the Cameroon axis into Nigeria. The militants reportedly ran into heavy fire and withdrew, abandoning logistics supplies believed to be meant for resupply operations.
Military authorities say the seizure of the ₦37 million represents a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle financial channels that support terrorism, stressing that cutting off funding is key to limiting the operational reach of insurgent groups.
The Nigerian military high command has commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to disrupting terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and economic stability in the North East.
Source: Africa Publicity
