Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded fresh operational gains with the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist in Borno State and the arrest of six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Adamawa State.
The military said the operations, conducted separately in the two states, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other items from the suspects.
In Borno, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP fighter at Borgozo in Kaga Local Government Area on September 13, 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave and decided to abandon the group’s activities.
Recovered from him were an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an improvised explosive device (IED), a magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The surrendered terrorist has been taken into military custody for further investigation and profiling in accordance with established procedures.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 Operation HADIN KAI, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected hideout of a kidnapping syndicate around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted in conjunction with local hunters, resulted in the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of a Dane gun.
Further investigations and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of suspected kidnappers apprehended to six.
According to the military, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been operating across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA.
The suspects reportedly admitted to 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 and are expected to face further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Theatre Command said the latest operations demonstrated the sustained pressure being applied by troops against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining offensive operations, denying criminal groups freedom of action and creating a safer environment for residents and legitimate socioeconomic activities to thrive.
