Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational gains with the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist in Borno State and the arrest of six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Adamawa State.
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, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK, alongside Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, on Sunday.
Preliminary investigations showed that the individual had fled a terrorist enclave in an attempt to abandon terrorism.
The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), a magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The military said the surrendered terrorist remains in custody while undergoing further investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, working with local hunters, arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
Captain Goni said the operation was conducted following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected group.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops mobilised and raided the syndicate’s identified hideout, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of one Dane gun.
He said further investigations and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three more suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to six.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the syndicate had been operating around Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly admitted to participating in the abduction of several victims for ransom, as well as other violent crimes in the area.
They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Captain Goni said the operations demonstrated the continued pressure being exerted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
He added that the Theatre Command would continue offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists and other criminals freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and supporting socioeconomic activities.