Terrorists Exploit Women for Logistics, Intelligence as Military Pressure Mounts – Former JTF Commander

A security expert and former Joint Task Force (JTF) commander, Dr Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa, has raised concerns over the increasing use of women by terrorist groups in northern Nigeria for logistics, intelligence gathering and other operational activities.

Wudilawa said terrorists have increasingly exploited the vulnerability of women as sustained military operations push their fighters into remote forest locations, where they now depend heavily on civilian networks for survival and communication.

Speaking with DAILY POST, the former security operative said women are being used to move essential supplies, including food, clothing, medicines, weapons and other materials to terrorists hiding in isolated camps.

He added that some women are also allegedly used to transport recruits and gather information on the movements of security personnel and targeted individuals.

The development follows recent arrests of women allegedly linked to terrorist logistics operations in Borno State.

A 65-year-old woman, Hauwa Abulazeez, was reportedly arrested in Askira Uba Local Government Area with 14 compressed blocks of cannabis allegedly intended for delivery to terrorists.

Similarly, Kellu Abba, 50, was reportedly arrested in Kukawa Local Government Area while allegedly conveying food items and personal belongings to her son, who was identified as a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Commenting on the trend, Wudilawa said women have played various roles within terrorist networks, particularly in intelligence gathering.

“All these atrocities are committed with the support of women from the very beginning. All the things we do, we do with women. They know our routines.

“Till today, women are used as informants. They provide information about the movements of targeted individuals within and outside communities,” he said.

The former JTF commander explained that terrorist groups often take advantage of the trust communities place in women, using them as couriers and sources of intelligence.

He attributed the involvement of some women in terrorist activities to factors such as poverty, illiteracy, financial incentives and desperation, while stressing that not all those involved participate willingly.

According to him, some women are coerced or forced into supporting terrorist organisations, adding that he witnessed similar situations during his years of operations against Boko Haram insurgents.

Wudilawa also criticised instances where civilians obstruct security operations by confronting personnel carrying out arrests and investigations, warning that such actions could undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent attacks and dismantle criminal networks.

The security expert further called on the government to tackle the socio-economic conditions that make vulnerable individuals susceptible to recruitment by criminal groups, stressing that improved livelihoods and economic opportunities remain crucial in reducing involvement in banditry, kidnapping and terrorism