A Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter has surrendered to troops in Borno State with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and an improvised explosive device, while soldiers have arrested six suspected kidnappers operating in Adamawa State.
The developments, according to the military, followed sustained operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) against terrorists and other criminal elements across the North-East.
The Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
In Adamawa, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, working with local hunters, raided a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area following credible intelligence.
The operation initially led to the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of a Dane gun.
Goni said further investigation and covert operations resulted in the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects to six.
“Following credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, in conjunction with local hunters, swiftly mobilised and raided the identified hideout,” he said.
Preliminary investigation, according to the military, showed that the syndicate had been operating across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song LGA.
The suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom, as well as other violent crimes in the area.
The Army said the suspects remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade under Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received a surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.
The terrorist reportedly escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning the insurgency.
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 surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures,” Goni said.
The latest operations, the Army said, demonstrate the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the North-East.
Goni assured that the Theatre Command would continue offensive operations aimed at restricting the activities of terrorists and other criminals while creating a safer environment for residents and economic activities.
