of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Adamawa State, while a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist surrendered to troops in Borno State.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the separate operations were conducted on September 13, 2026, as troops sustained pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
The statement said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK in conjunction with Forest Guards, received the repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism.
Items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), one magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with established procedures.
In Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, acting on credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area, mobilised alongside local hunters and raided the identified hideout.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.
Further investigation and subsequent covert operations resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of suspected kidnappers arrested to six.
The military said preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate had been operating within the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom, as well as other violent crimes within the area.
They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Theatre Command said the latest successes underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorists and other criminal elements, adding that the command would continue offensive operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
It said the operations were also aimed at creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling socioeconomic activities to thrive across the Joint Operations Area.
