Nigerian Troops Seize 400+ Starlink Devices from Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists in North-East

Nigerian military troops have intercepted and recovered more than 400 Starlink satellite internet devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists to coordinate attacks and maintain communication across Nigeria’s North-East conflict zone.

The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier-General Beyidi Martins, disclosed the development during a briefing with defence correspondents, revealing that the seizures were made during intelligence-led military operations targeting terrorist hideouts and logistics networks.

According to Martins, the Starlink terminals linked to SpaceX’s satellite internet service were recovered from Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and several other insurgent enclaves in the region.

The military described the operation as part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist supply chains, communication systems, and operational infrastructure sustaining insurgency activities in the North-East.

The discovery highlights the growing use of advanced commercial technology by armed groups operating in remote regions where conventional telecom infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite system provides high-speed internet connectivity in hard-to-reach locations, making it valuable for civilians, businesses, and humanitarian operations. However, security experts say the same technology can also be exploited by insurgent groups seeking secure and mobile communication channels that are harder to track.

The latest seizure further underscores the evolving nature of the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and the increasing role of digital technologies in modern warfare.

Earlier reports revealed that ISWAP had begun deploying weaponised drones in attacks against Nigerian military formations, including a March 2025 assault on a military forward operating base in Borno State. Analysts believe the addition of Starlink terminals to terrorist operations points to a deliberate effort by insurgent groups to strengthen coordination among dispersed cells across the Lake Chad region.

Since the insurgency began in 2009, the conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP has led to tens of thousands of civilian deaths, mass displacement, and a prolonged humanitarian crisis affecting Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

Military authorities say cutting off communication networks and logistics routes has become increasingly important in weakening terrorist operations, alongside direct combat missions.

Security observers note that intercepting over 400 Starlink devices represents a major tactical success for Nigerian troops. However, they also warn that preventing future access to commercial satellite communication technology by armed groups will require stronger supply chain monitoring, tighter regulations, and sustained intelligence operations.