Terrorist surrenders in Borno, troops nab six kidnappers in Adamawa - Punch Newspapers

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six kidnappers operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State. This comes as the Army received a repentant Boko haram terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. The acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Mohammed Goni, in a statement on Monday, said the six kidnappers were arrested following credible human intelligence on their activities. 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. The operation, he said, “led to 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 members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to six.” According to Goni, preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate had been operating within the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song LGA. The suspects, he said, also reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes within the area. Ransom economy: How kidnappers turn northern families’ pain into profit Security forces kill terrorists, recover weapons in Kebbi raid Terrorists, informants spying on schools, other targets – Police “They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” he stated. Goni, however, noted that on 13 September 2026, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade operating under Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received a repentant Boko haram/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from an enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism,” he said. The army spokesman said items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four magazines, one Improvised Explosive Device, one magazine pouch and a bicycle. “The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures,” he stated. Goni said the successes underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area. “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,” he assured. Isah Ojo

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