Boko Haram War: Army To Shut Down Illicit Supply Markets in Borno, Yobe

The activities of traders who engage in
illegal trading with Boko Haram is
sabotaging the successes recorded in the
ongoing war against the insurgency, the
Nigerian Army has said.
In a statement Tuesday, Sani Usman, Acting
Director of Army Public Relations, said the
traders engage in illegal commercial
activities such as trading and smuggling
especially during late hours.
“This is more prevalent in some towns and
villages within the Northeast especially in
Borno and Yobe States,” Mr. Usman, a
colonel said.
“The unpatriotic and selfish elements have
clandestinely been aiding the terrorists with
logistics and other supplies, through
smuggling and other forms of illicit trading,
thus sustaining them, while the merchants
of death make money out of it.
“Consequently, the Nigerian military and
indeed the Nigerian Army is highly
concerned with these unpatriotic acts. The
Nigerian Army is therefore taking some
drastic steps to curtail this illicit trading with
the terrorists.
“From now on, some markets identified to
be engaging in this illegal trade with the
adversary in Borno and Yobe States will be
closed. Any breach of that would be dealt
with accordingly. The General Officers
Commanding and other commanders have
been directed accordingly.”
Mr. Usman said that despite some setbacks
– such as two soldiers arrested with
unauthorized military equipment – the army
was able to record “tremendous successes”
in the fight against insurgency in the
Northeast.