Odita Sunday 
Terrorist surrenders with AK-47 as troops arrest six suspected kidnappers in Adamawa
By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational gains following the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist with an AK-47 rifle and the arrest of six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Borno and Adamawa states.
Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, saying the operations were conducted separately by troops in the two states.
Goni said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received the repentant terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, on September 13.
According to him, preliminary investigation showed that the terrorist had escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism.
Goni said troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, one Improvised Explosive Device, one magazine pouch and a bicycle from the surrendered terrorist.
He added that the suspect remained in military custody for further investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
On the Adamawa operation, Goni said troops of Sector 4 OPHK, working with local hunters, raided a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area following credible human intelligence on the group’s activities.
He said the operation initially led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.
Goni said further investigation and subsequent covert operations resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrested members of the syndicate to six.
He said preliminary investigation indicated that the syndicate had been operating around the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song LGA.
According to him, the suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes in the area.
Goni said the suspects remained in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
He said the latest successes reflected the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
“The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling environmental for socioeconomic activities to thrive,” Goni said.
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