Troops intercept ISWAP logistics network in Borno State

Troops of 159 Task Force Battalion along Road Gubio-Damasak have disclosed
that they intercepted the Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP)
logistics network and arrested two Toyota Hilux vans conveying its illegal
items.

This follows its ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.

During the operation, the troops searched the vehicles and found
intoxicants, alcohol drinks in several plastic containers and a large
quantity of sex enhancing drugs, among others.

A statement issued in Abuja by spokesman, Office of the National
Security Adviser (ONSA), Danjuma Reuben, disclosed that the items were
concealed in 16 cartoons marked: Honey Well Macaroni to Beat Security
Checks.

Reuben said the drivers of the vehicles disclosed that they were directed
to deliver the items at Gudumbali village, believed to be exchange point
for illicit goods where they would be conveyed to ISWAP leadership in Lake
Chad.

He added that the interception of the illicit drugs, particularly the sex
enhancing drugs, revealed the high level of sexual abuse perpetrated by the
ISWAP against vulnerable women and girls.

Reuben pointed out that effort of the troops has also exposed ISWAP’s
propaganda in which the group claims to practise genuine Islam, but
actually contradicts Islamic jurisprudence to legalise the use of
intoxicants.

He said ISWAP, which remains faceless with no defined frontier had
targeted civilian population, humanitarian workers and business interests
in the Northeast region, stressing that their foreign affiliates are driven
by violent and extremist ideology.

“ISWAP is committing crimes against humanity, including violence to life
and persons, outrages on personal dignity, as well as humiliating and
degrading treatment, rape, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy and other acts
of sexual violence,” he said.

Reuben, however, assured members of the public that the Nigerian security
forces would continue to intensify efforts in intelligence gathering to
secure all captives, including girls and women who are still in terrorists’
custody in the country.