Troops Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Locally Made

Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during an intelligence-led operation in Jegalari Village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation was carried out on July 23, 2026, by troops of the 233 Battalion deployed at the Damaturu Military Cantonment following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements operating in the area.

During the operation, the troops recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition and four mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspects’ alleged criminal activities.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to Goni, the suspects have been taken into military custody alongside the recovered exhibits for further investigation.

“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,” he said.

The military said the operation formed part of its ongoing intelligence-driven campaign to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks operating across the North-East.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its commitment to denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North East through sustained intelligence-driven operations,” the statement added.

The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to combat crime in the region.

“The military urges members of the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency,” Goni said.

He added that timely and credible information from law-abiding citizens remains critical to safeguarding communities and strengthening security across the North-East.