By: Manoah Kikekon
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA – In a significant blow to the communication infrastructure of insurgent groups, Nigerian troops have intercepted and seized over 400 Starlink satellite internet terminals used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
The recovery is part of a massive "strangulation operation" aimed at severing the technological and logistics lifelines of militants across the North-East.
Brigadier-General Beyidi Martins, the Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed the breakthrough during a briefing with defence correspondents on Wednesday, 13th May 2026. He revealed that the devices, linked to Elon Musk's satellite internet service, were recovered from high-risk zones, including the Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle.
The seizure of high-speed satellite terminals highlights a shifting battlefield where terrorists increasingly rely on advanced technology for coordination. By utilizing Starlink, insurgents had been able to maintain secure, high-speed communication in remote enclaves where traditional cellular networks are non-existent.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel, and other operational items across the theatre,” Brig.-Gen. Martins stated.
The commander noted that by intercepting these gadgets, the military is effectively blinding the enemy’s command and control structure.
Brig.-Gen. Martins raised concerns regarding the role of civilian collaborators who assist in smuggling these high-tech devices and other essential supplies into terrorist hideouts. He explained that while some residents are coerced into helping through threats, others do so voluntarily for financial gain.
> “There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” he revealed.
To counter this, troops have successfully infiltrated various transport and trade syndicates. This intelligence-led approach has led to the daily arrest of couriers and the disruption of over **400 logistics-related cases involving drugs, fuel (PMS), and motorcycle spare parts.
Beyond technology, the military is targeting the insurgents' financial engines. The North-East command has partnered with local market stakeholders to introduce strict livestock verification measures. This prevents terrorists from selling rustled cattle in local markets to fund their operations.
“If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” the Commander added.
The "strangulation" strategy combining the seizure of communication tech with the blocking of food and fuel corridors stretching from Kano through Nguru is yielding results. The military reports that the sustained pressure has led to a rise in the surrender of terrorists and their families, who can no longer survive the harsh conditions in the shrinking enclaves.