Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Adamawa and received the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) fighter in Borno State.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Maiduguri.
According to the statement, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received the surrender of the terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno, on Sept. 13.
Preliminary investigation showed that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism.
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 him.
The military said the surrendered fighter had been taken into custody for further investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
In Adamawa, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, acting on credible intelligence about the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area, raided the group’s hideout in collaboration with local hunters.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of a Dane gun.
The military said further investigation and covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the number of suspected kidnappers arrested to six.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate had been operating around Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom as well as other violent crimes in the area.
They remain in military custody for further investigation and possible legal action.
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The Theatre Command said the operations demonstrated the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
It reaffirmed its commitment to offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists and criminal groups freedom of action, protecting law-abiding citizens and creating a safer environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive.
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