Troops arrest five suspected kidnappers, seize arms in Yobe

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered locally fabricated firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe.

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday when troops of the 233 Battalion, operating from the Damaturu Military Cantonment, raided Jegalari Village in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group after acting on credible intelligence.

The military said the operation led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition and four mobile phones suspected to have been used in the group’s criminal activities.

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The suspects are being held in military custody, while the recovered items have been retained as exhibits pending the conclusion of investigations into their alleged involvement in kidnapping and other crimes.

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

He said the operation reflected the military’s sustained offensive against criminal groups through intelligence-led operations across the North-East.

According to Goni, “Troops of Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Yobe State Hunters Group, arrested five suspected kidnappers during a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted on 23 July 2026 at Jegalari Village in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.”

He added that the raid followed actionable intelligence on the activities of the suspects, leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and mobile phones believed to be linked to their operations.

Goni further stated, “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.”

Reaffirming the resolve of the Joint Task Force to tackle insecurity, the military spokesman said Operation HADIN KAI would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the region.

He also urged residents to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements and activities, noting that credible information from the public remained vital to ongoing efforts to protect communities and strengthen security.

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