Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded fresh operational successes with the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist and the arrest of six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Borno and Adamawa states.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with Forest Guards, received the surrender of the terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, on September 13.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, one improvised explosive device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle from the surrendered fighter.
The statement said the suspect had been taken into military custody, where he was undergoing further investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4, Operation Hadin Kai, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with local hunters, led to the initial arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.
The military said further investigation and subsequent covert operations resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of suspected kidnappers arrested to six.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the syndicate had been operating around the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA.
The suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom as well as other violent crimes within the area.
The six suspects remain in military custody and are expected to face further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Theatre Command said the latest operations underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorists and other criminal elements across its Joint Operations Area.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists and other criminals freedom of action while creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and supporting socio-economic activities.
“The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling an environment for socio-economic activities to thrive,” the statement said.
