Troops Arrest Six Kidnapping Suspects in Adamawa as Boko Haram Fighter Surrenders in Borno

Troops conducting counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations in the North-East have arrested six suspected kidnappers in Adamawa State, while a Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter has surrendered to the military in Borno State.

The arrests in Adamawa followed an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.

According to the acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, troops of Sector 4, working alongside local hunters, stormed the group’s identified hideout after receiving credible intelligence about its activities.

Goni disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the initial operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a Dane gun.

He said the operation “led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.”

The military subsequently intensified its investigation and launched covert operations that resulted in the arrest of three more suspects, taking the total number of detainees to six.

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

The military spokesman said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had been active across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA.

The suspects also allegedly confessed to involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom, as well as other violent crimes within the communities.

“They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” he said.

In a separate development, troops operating in Borno State received a repentant Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter who surrendered at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.

Goni said the development occurred on September 13, when personnel of 29 Task Force Brigade under Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, working with Forest Guards, received the surrendering terrorist.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from an enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism,” he said.

The former fighter reportedly surrendered with a cache of weapons and other items, including an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four magazines, an Improvised Explosive Device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.

“The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures,” he stated.

The latest operations, according to Goni, demonstrate the continued military pressure against terrorist groups, kidnappers and other criminal networks operating across the North-East.

He said Operation Hadin Kai would continue to combine offensive operations with intelligence gathering and collaboration with local security structures to restrict the activities of criminal elements.

“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 socioeconomic activities to thrive,” he assured.