The Nigerian military has arrested four individuals, including two security personnel from the hybrid forces, for allegedly supplying logistics to terrorists operating in the North-East, the Defence Headquarters confirmed on Friday.
The arrest, made during operations between April 26 and 29, was part of a broader military crackdown in Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali Local Government Areas of Borno and Adamawa States, according to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations.
Two of the suspects were members of the hybrid forces, a group composed of various paramilitary and civilian security collaborators working alongside the Nigerian Army in counter-insurgency operations.
The revelation has triggered concerns over internal sabotage within the ranks of the security apparatus.
Maj. Gen. Kangye expressed disappointment over the betrayal, warning commanders to reinforce vigilance and discourage any collusion with enemy forces.
“Commanders are therefore to sensitise hybrid forces personnel to desist from colluding with or encouraging terrorist acts capable of sabotaging our operations,” he stated.
The four arrested individuals were identified during intelligence-led operations targeting logistics supply chains that fuel insurgent activities in the volatile North-East region.
Although the names of the suspects were not disclosed, military sources suggest further investigations and disciplinary actions are underway.
In addition to the arrests, troops launched a series of offensive missions—including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance operations—in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari LGAs, which span parts of Borno and Yobe States.
According to Kangye, the operations resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, rescue of six kidnapped civilians, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles used by the insurgents.
He praised the dedication of troops and hybrid forces engaged in these operations while cautioning against internal sabotage that could undermine hard-won progress.
“We will not tolerate betrayal from within as it jeopardises the safety of both civilians and troops,” he added.
In a separate theatre of operation, troops in the South-South zone recorded significant successes in curbing the menace of oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
Operations conducted across multiple locations led to the seizure of over 86,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 2,600 litres of petrol.
Additionally, dozens of illegal refining sites were dismantled, while boats, storage tanks, tricycles, mobile phones, and seven vehicles used in the illicit trade were confiscated or destroyed.
The military noted that these efforts were part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on oil-related economic sabotage.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgents and criminal networks, both in the North-East and South-South regions.
Kangye said the armed forces remain focused on restoring peace and stability through continuous intelligence-led and coordinated operations.
He also acknowledged that internal threats—such as compromised personnel—pose a significant challenge to achieving mission objectives.
“These acts of betrayal only strengthen our resolve to cleanse the system and ensure no saboteur goes unpunished,” Kangye stressed.
The hybrid forces have long played a critical role in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency framework, acting as auxiliary partners in surveillance, local intelligence, and terrain familiarisation.
However, recent revelations about compromised operatives have sparked concerns about the integrity of this arrangement.
