The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested a suspected supplier of fuel to Boko Haram terroritsts in Borno.
A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said the suspect was arrested at Molai check point in the outskirt of Maiduguri at about 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
He added that the suspect was arrested with a truck loaded with 25 jerry cans of petrol and other goods cleverly covered in cartons.
Usman said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had for long engaged in supply of fuel and other goods to terrorists in Sambisa.
He said: “the Quick Response Force (QRF) of 251 Battalion, 7 Division Garrison on routine check arrested a truck loaded with 25 jerry cans of PMS and other goods.
“The PMS and other goods were cleverly covered and concealed in the truck.
“The driver of the vehicle, Muhammadu Adamu, claimed ignorance of the contents of the vehicle and called the owner of the goods, Tijjani Gambo to explain.
“He too denied supplying the terrorists’ fuel and other items. Rather he claimed to be a mere trader that supplies goods to customers in Damboa based on demand.
“However, preliminary investigation revealed that he has been sending PMS and other goods through the same route at regular intervals without an identifiable corresponding recipient in Damboa.
“Although investigations are still ongoing, it is suspected that it could be the means through which he had been supplying the terrorists with dire logistics in Sambisa forest.”
Usman said authorities in the region had banned the purchase and transportation of petrol in containers in Borno and its environs.
He said both suspects and the exhibits had been handed over to Joint Interrogation Centre for further investigation. (NAN)