DSS Intercepts Medical Supplies Allegedly Destined for ISWAP Fighters in Borno
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), working alongside forest guards, have intercepted a consignment of medical supplies allegedly intended for fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
The seizure was reportedly made on Friday during a coordinated operation in Kaga Local Government Area of the state, according to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, which cited security sources familiar with the operation.
The report said the operation targeted a suspected logistics route used by insurgents to transport supplies through forested areas in and around Borno State.
Items recovered during the operation reportedly included large quantities of pain-relief drugs, anti-malaria injections, antibiotics and other pharmaceutical products, as well as basic consumables believed to be meant for insurgents operating in remote enclaves.
According to the publication, preliminary investigations suggest the consignment was part of efforts to replenish ISWAP fighters following recent casualties and operational setbacks suffered during intelligence-led military operations involving Nigerian security forces and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM).
Security sources were quoted as saying the supplies were being moved in small batches through forest corridors to avoid detection by security patrols and surveillance teams.
The interception is said to be part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and cut off access to medical and material support for insurgent groups operating in the North-East.
The recovered materials have been taken into custody for forensic examination, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shipment.
The development comes days after reports that Nigerian military forces, in collaboration with US AFRICOM, carried out an airstrike on June 1 in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, allegedly killing 21 ISWAP fighters.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the latest interception, but counter-insurgency efforts in the region continue to focus on dismantling the supply chains and operational networks sustaining terrorist activities across the Lake Chad Basin.