Nigerian Troops Seize Over 400 Starlink Devices from Boko Haram and ISWAP in North-East Operations

Troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East have intercepted and seized more than 400 Starlink satellite communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, disclosed this development during a briefing to defence correspondents on ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and communication networks.

According to Brig.-Gen. Martins, the seizures formed part of sustained intelligence-driven operations across key terrorist enclaves including Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle. The recovered Starlink terminals, linked to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, were intercepted while troops targeted supply routes and hideouts that have long sustained insurgent activities in the region.

The commander emphasised that disrupting logistics remains central to the military’s strategy. “The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational items across the theatre,” he said.

This approach has focused on strangling the flow of resources that enable insurgents to maintain operational capacity in remote areas. Insurgents have adapted to the asymmetric nature of the conflict by relying heavily on civilian supply chains and local collaborators.

Martins noted that some civilians voluntarily assist the terrorists, while others do so under duress through threats and intimidation. “There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” he stated.

Through targeted intelligence operations, troops have successfully infiltrated transport and logistics networks used by the insurgents. This has involved monitoring transporters, traders and supply syndicates operating across the North-East. As a result, hundreds of logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators linked to terrorist resupply operations have been arrested.

Martins revealed that arrests occur almost daily, with over 400 logistics-related cases and networks disrupted so far. Intercepted consignments have included Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), pharmaceutical drugs, medical supplies, food items and motorcycle spare parts suspected to be heading for terrorist camps.

These items were seized along major movement corridors, particularly routes stretching from Kano through Nguru and other entry points leading into Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle. Such operations have significantly curtailed the ability of insurgents to replenish essential resources.

Local livestock markets have also come under scrutiny as insurgents reportedly use them to sell rustled animals and generate funds for operations. In response, security forces, local authorities and market stakeholders have implemented verification measures requiring proper identification of animal ownership before sales are permitted. “If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” Martins explained.

The ongoing strangulation operations have weakened terrorist logistics chains and reduced their operational flexibility across Sector 2’s area of responsibility. Continuous military pressure has also prompted the surrender of several terrorists and their family members, further diminishing the insurgents’ strength.

Troops have denied the groups freedom of movement, limiting their capacity to launch attacks on civilian communities and security installations. These developments occur within the broader context of Operation HADIN KAI, the multi-sector military campaign launched to restore peace and stability in the North-East.

The region has faced over a decade of insurgency that has displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure and claimed thousands of lives. Despite notable successes in recent years, including the degradation of territorial control by terrorist groups, residual threats persist through guerrilla tactics and reliance on external support networks.

Brig.-Gen. Martins reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 forces to intensify offensive operations, intercept remaining supply routes and fully dismantle communication networks. The use of advanced communication tools like Starlink by terrorists highlights the evolving technological dimension of the conflict.

Informed observers note that sustained disruption of logistics could accelerate the decline of terrorist capabilities in the North-East. Reduced access to fuel, spare parts and communication equipment limits mobility and coordination, potentially decreasing the frequency and scale of attacks.

However, challenges remain, including the vast terrain that favours insurgents and the continued existence of sympathetic or coerced networks within border areas. The military has maintained that its operations adhere to rules of engagement focused on protecting civilians while decisively targeting threats. Recent surrenders indicate the psychological impact of these pressure tactics, as some fighters and their families seek reintegration pathways.