Troops Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Arms in Yobe

Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation, conducted on July 23, 2026, at Jegalari Village, was carried out by troops of the 233 Battalion deployed at the Damaturu Military Cantonment following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected criminal group.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the raid led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition and four mobile phones believed to have been used in the suspects' criminal operations.

The statement said the five suspects are currently in military custody alongside the recovered weapons and other exhibits, while investigations continue to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North-East.

The military also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest security agency.

It stressed that public cooperation remains vital to enhancing security and protecting communities across the region as troops continue operations against terrorists and criminal networks.