11 terrorists surrender, nine suspected drug dealers arrested in Yobe
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested four suspected Boko Haram terrorists following a night ambush in Yobe State, while 11 terrorists surrendered and nine suspected drug dealers were arrested in separate operations between September 15 and 22, 2026.
In a statement, Acting Military Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri Captain Mohammed Goni said the operations also led to the recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items as troops intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them freedom of movement across the North-East.
The latest arrest followed an ambush conducted by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m. on September 21.
According to the Joint Task Force, troops made contact with suspected terrorists during the operation and engaged them in a firefight, forcing the terrorists to flee under pressure from the superior firepower of the security forces.
During a subsequent search of the area, troops arrested four suspected terrorists. Blood traces found within the area suggested that some of the fleeing terrorists may have sustained injuries or suffered casualties, although the military said further exploitation was ongoing.
Items recovered from the scene included four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm Special ammunition cases.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
In a related operation, troops of the same brigade arrested nine suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA, on September 19.
The suspects were reportedly found with a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and ₦85,900 in cash.
The military said the operation was aimed at disrupting criminal activities that could undermine security and create an enabling environment for terrorism and other violent crimes.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest operations form part of wider military activities conducted between September 15 and 22, during which 11 terrorists reportedly surrendered to the authorities, alongside the recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items.
The Joint Task Force said the results demonstrated the continuing impact of sustained operational pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining operational momentum, disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and restricting their freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
