Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected kidnappers in Adamawa State, while a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist surrendered to the military in Borno State.
The six suspects were arrested following an intelligence-led operation around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where troops also recovered a Dane gun.
Acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
According to him, troops of Sector 4, in collaboration with local hunters, raided a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout after receiving credible intelligence on its activities.
The operation initially led to the arrest of three suspects, while further investigation and covert operations resulted in the arrest of three more members of the group, bringing the total number of suspects to six.
Goni said preliminary investigations indicated that the syndicate had been operating around Soktu, Dumne and Maigero communities in Song LGA.
He added that the suspects had confessed to participating in the abduction of several victims for ransom, as well as other violent crimes in the area.
The suspects remain in military custody and are expected to face appropriate legal action after investigations are concluded.
In a related development, Goni said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with Forest Guards, received a repentant Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga LGA of Borno State, on September 13.
The surrendered terrorist reportedly escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning 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 former terrorist is currently in military custody for further investigation and profiling.
Goni said the latest successes demonstrated the continued pressure being mounted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the North-East.
He assured that the Theatre Command would sustain offensive operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and creating a safer environment for residents and economic activities.
