Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have intensified their offensive against terrorists and criminal networks, forcing a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) fighter to surrender while arresting six suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in separate operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
This is contained in statement made available to The News Chronicle by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, on September 14, 2026.
In Borno State, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK, in collaboration with Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, on September 13, 2026.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning the group and its activities.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), one magazine pouch and a bicycle from the surrendered fighter.
He has been taken into military custody for further investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, acting on credible human intelligence, raided a suspected hideout of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with local hunters, resulted in the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.
Further investigation and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of members of the syndicate apprehended to six.
According to preliminary findings, the syndicate had been operating across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA, with the suspects reportedly admitting involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom as well as other violent crimes in the area.
The six suspects remain in military custody as investigations continue, after which they will face appropriate legal action.
The latest operations underscore the sustained pressure being mounted by Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist groups, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
The Theatre Command said it would continue to intensify offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal networks freedom of action, protecting law-abiding citizens and creating a safer environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive.
