By Usman Yahaya Ismail
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded fresh operational gains across the North-East, arresting suspected terrorists and collaborators, rescuing kidnapped civilians, and recovering explosive devices in a series of coordinated operations.
The developments were disclosed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, in a release issued to journalists on Monday.
According to the release, troops deployed at Ngamdu apprehended two suspected terrorists, Haruna Adamu (32) and Ibrahim Adamu (20), during operations in the area. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects fled from Zamfara State into Yobe State.
Items recovered from them include mobile phones, a power bank, identification materials, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects.
They have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
In a related development, troops of 254 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad (30), at Ngamdu Market.
The suspect, who had been on the unit’s watchlist, was found with cash, a mobile phone, identification cards, charms, a knife, and a notebook containing contacts of suspected terrorist elements. He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation. The military described the arrest as a significant disruption to terrorist intelligence networks in the area.
Elsewhere, troops conducting night operations around the Mubi general area in Adamawa State arrested five suspected drug peddlers. The suspects were found in possession of various items, including ammunition, and are in custody for further investigation.
In the Madagali Local Government Area, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force responded to a kidnapping incident and successfully rescued two victims, identified as Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10). Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of other abducted persons.
Similarly, troops deployed in the Kukareta area of Yobe State recovered a hand grenade believed to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The device was safely secured in accordance with standard procedures.
The military high command commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations. It also reassured residents of its commitment to degrading terrorist capabilities, safeguarding lives and property, and restoring lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East.
The public was further urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.