Nigerian Army Arrests ISWAP Member Transporting Motorcycle Tyres Supplies

[Akinola Kholid]

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected member of the terrorist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The suspect was reportedly caught while transporting motorcycle tyres and other maintenance spare parts from the Timbuktu Triangle area, according to military sources who confirmed the incident on Thursday.

The arrest was made during a military operation aimed at disrupting logistics networks used by insurgent groups in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Security operatives believe the suspect was supplying essential items that help maintain motorcycles commonly used by militants for mobility during attacks and movements across difficult terrain.

During interrogation by troops, the suspect admitted that he was affiliated with ISWAP. He also disclosed details about the structure of the group he belonged to, including the leaders overseeing the camp where he operated.

According to the suspect, he came from the Markas (camp) located in Kauwa and operated under the leadership of Hamzala, with assistance from another commander identified as Abu Umar. He claimed that his main responsibility involved purchasing motorcycle tyres and spare parts from markets and delivering them to the insurgent camp.

The suspect explained that he usually bought the motorcycle tyres from Bajoga in Gombe State. From there, he navigated through several locations including Kukuwa, Gumsa, and Azare before crossing through Buratai and eventually returning to the Timbuktu Triangle where the supplies were delivered.

He further revealed the profit system used in the transactions. According to him, he purchased motorcycle tyres at the price of ₦13,000 each and resold them to the insurgents at ₦25,000 as a wholesale supplier. The markup provided significant profit while ensuring the fighters received necessary equipment.

In addition to tyres, the suspect also traded spark plugs and other small motorcycle parts. He stated that plugs were bought for about ₦350 in Nigeria and resold to the group at higher prices, sometimes reaching ₦600 or more, showing how supply chains are exploited to sustain insurgent operations.