Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes with the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist and the arrest of six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in separate operations in Borno and Adamawa states.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh Local Government Area of Borno State on September 13, 2026.
It explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism.
The statement said items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, one improvised explosive device (IED), one magazine pouch and a bicycle.
It added that the surrendered terrorist was in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures.
In a related development, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, acting on credible human intelligence about the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, mobilised and raided the identified hideout.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.
The statement said further investigation and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrested members of the syndicate to six.
According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate had been operating within the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song Local Government Area.
It added that the suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes within the area.
The suspects remained in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action, it stated.
The statement explained that the operations underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
It reaffirmed that the Theatre Command remained committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling socioeconomic activities to thrive.