Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected kidnappers in Adamawa State and received the surrender of a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in Borno State.
The arrests in Adamawa followed intelligence on 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, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops from Sector 4, working with local hunters, raided the group’s hideout and initially arrested three suspects.
One Dane gun was recovered during the operation, while subsequent investigation and covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to six.
The statement read, “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.”
Goni said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had been operating around the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song Local Government Area.
He added that the suspects admitted involvement in several kidnappings for ransom and other violent crimes in the area. They remain in military custody for further investigation and legal action.
Meanwhile, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai, received a surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, on September 13.
The terrorist was said to have escaped from a terrorist enclave and decided to abandon the group’s activities.
Goni said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism.”
Items recovered from the surrendered terrorist 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 stated.
The military said the latest operations reflected sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist and criminal activities across the North-East.
“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,” Goni said.
