DHQ Uncovers Foreign Link to Insurgency in Borno, Raises Alarms Over “Miner”
The arrests occurred between June 5 and 7, 2025, during a series of coordinated military operations conducted in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, and Geidam in Yobe State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that the five Nigerians were identified as terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators. The Chinese national, who claimed to be a miner, was apprehended under suspicious circumstances within the military’s active operation zone.
“Troops arrested five terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators, and a Chinese national claiming to be a miner. Items recovered during the operations include a vehicle, motorcycle, several mobile phones, a Chinese passport, and ₦10,000 in cash,” Kangye announced.
He questioned the legitimacy of the foreigner’s presence in a high-risk zone monitored by the Armed Forces.
“People caught in conflict zones must be thoroughly vetted. Criminals rarely admit wrongdoing, but we must ask: what was he doing there during a military operation?” Kangye queried.
The Chinese suspect remains in custody as interrogation continues. Kangye assured that a full investigation is underway and the public would be briefed on the outcome.
“We are determined to uncover the truth. Once investigations are complete, we’ll provide details on the reason for his presence and any possible connections to insurgent networks,” he stated.
Kangye also addressed rising public frustration over delayed military responses to distress calls, particularly from rural communities. He explained that logistical constraints and vast operational terrains often hinder rapid deployment.
“Our troops are not stationed in every community. Incidents can happen up to 15 kilometres from the nearest base. Before we respond, a unit must be activated, a commander designated, and logistics arranged. It takes time,” he explained.
He compared the military’s prioritization process to emergency triage in overcrowded hospitals, urging citizens to understand the realities of warfront logistics.
“It may seem like nothing is happening, but our troops are stretched thin and doing their best under very challenging conditions,” he added.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to national security, Kangye pointed to successes in other operational theatres, including Operation Delta Safe, where soldiers recently disrupted illegal crude oil activities worth over ₦146.6 million.
“Our mission is to protect Nigeria and ensure citizens live without fear. We’ll keep combining force with strategic partnerships and uphold the rule of law as we press forward,” Kangye concluded.
