Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP member transporting motorcycle tyres and maintenance spares from the Timbuktu triangle, according to security expert Zaragoza Makama.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed affiliation with ISWAP, naming leaders and revealing tyre trade details.
In a video, the suspect stated he is from Markas of Kauwa, led by Hamzala and Abu Umar, adding that he buys tyres in Bajoga, Gombe State, and sells them in Timbuktu for profit, buying tyres for 13,000 naira and selling for 25,000 naira wholesale just as he also buys plugs for 3,000 naira and sells for 600 naira.
The suspect disclosed ISWAP commanders neutralised in Timbuktu, naming Ibba, Dusula, and Farouk enclaves as affected locations.
He expressed intention to surrender after Ramadan, saying “I was planning to surrender immediately after the Ramadan fast, but unfortunately, I was caught.”
Meanwhile, the military command highlighted efforts to disrupt insurgent logistics and supply chains in North-East Nigeria, saying it is part of intelligence-led measures to weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity.
