Terrorist Surrenders With Weapons as Troops Arrest Six Suspected Kidnappers in Northeast

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded fresh successes in separate operations in Borno and Adamawa states, including the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist and the arrest of six suspected kidnappers.

The military said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, working with Forest Guards, received the surrender of the terrorist on Sept. 13 at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the military, preliminary investigation showed that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism.

Items recovered from him included an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an improvised explosive device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.

The military said the surrendered terrorist remains in custody for further investigation and profiling.

In Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 Operation HADIN KAI, working with local hunters, raided a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area following credible intelligence.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of a Dane gun.

Further investigation and covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number arrested to six.

The military said preliminary investigation indicated that the syndicate had been operating in the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song Local Government Area.

The suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes in the area.

The six suspects remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

The Theatre Command said the operations demonstrate the sustained pressure being mounted against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.

It added that troops would continue offensive operations to deny terrorists and other criminal groups freedom of action, create a safer environment for residents and support socioeconomic activities.