By Saminu Ibrahim
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested six suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Adamawa State, while a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist surrendered to troops in Borno State.
SINL Nigeria Online reports that the operations, carried out separately in Borno and Adamawa states, also led to the recovery of weapons and other items.
Specifically, in Borno, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, in collaboration with Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, on September 13, 2026.
The terrorist reportedly escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning the group.
Items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an Improvised Explosive Device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The Army said the surrendered terrorist had been taken into military custody for investigation and profiling.
Similarly, troops of Sector 4, Operation HADIN KAI, acting on credible intelligence about the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, raided the group’s hideout in collaboration with local hunters.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of one Dane gun.
Further investigation and covert operations subsequently led to the arrest of three more suspected members, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to six.
According to the military, preliminary investigation showed that the syndicate had been operating around Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA.
The suspects allegedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom as well as other violent crimes in the area.
“They are currently in military custody and will face further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Theatre Command said the latest successes demonstrated the sustained pressure being mounted by Operation HADIN KAI against terrorists and other criminal elements across its Joint Operations Area.
It added that the command remained committed to sustaining offensive operations to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action, protect law-abiding citizens and create a safer environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive.
