By Ayomide Otitoju
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes with the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist and the arrest of six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Borno and Adamawa states.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Goni said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK and in conjunction with Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, on Sunday.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave and decided to abandon the group.
The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an improvised explosive device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The surrendered terrorist is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation and profiling, the military said.
In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, working with local hunters, arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
According to Goni, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected kidnappers.
He said troops raided the group’s identified hideout, arresting three suspects and recovering a Dane gun.
Further investigations and covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to six.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the syndicate operated in Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly admitted to abducting several victims for ransom and committing other violent crimes in the area.
They remain in military custody for further investigation and possible legal action.
Goni said the operations demonstrated the sustained pressure being mounted by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
He added that the Theatre Command would continue offensive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action, improve security for law-abiding citizens and create an environment conducive to socioeconomic activities.
