Troops arrest five suspected kidnappers, recover arms

Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in conjunction with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation.

In a statement on Friday, Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, said the operation was conducted on July 23, 2026, at Jegalari Village in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The statement said that, following credible information on the activities of the suspected criminal elements, troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at the Damaturu Military Cantonment, carried out the operation and recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition, and four mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspects’ criminal activities.

“The suspects are currently in military custody alongside the recovered exhibits for further investigation to ascertain their involvement in kidnapping and other related criminal activities,” the statement said.

The troops remain resolute in their commitment to denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North East through sustained intelligence-driven operations.

The statement urged members of the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency.

“Timely and credible information from law-abiding citizens remains critical to ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and enhance security across the region,” the statement further added.