OPHK Troops Arrest Four Terrorists, 11 Others Surrender in Yobe

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested four suspected Boko Haram terrorists during a night ambush in Yobe State, while 11 other terrorists surrendered to the military between September 15 and 22, 2026.

The troops also arrested nine suspected drug dealers and recovered ammunition, a vehicle and other logistics items during sustained operations across the Joint Operations Area.

In a statement, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the four suspected terrorists were arrested after troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), ambushed suspected terrorists east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area at about 11pm on September 21.

According to him, the troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight and subsequently arrested four suspects during exploitation of the area.

Goni said blood traces found in the area suggested that some of the fleeing terrorists might have sustained casualties.

Items recovered from the area included four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm Special ammunition cases.

He said the suspects and recovered items had been taken into military custody for further investigation, while exploitation of the area continued.

In a related development, troops of the brigade arrested nine suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA, on September 19.

The suspects were reportedly found with a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and ₦85,900 cash.

The military said the arrest was part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities that could undermine security and create an enabling environment for terrorism and other violent crimes.

The suspects and exhibits were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and legal action.

The military said the cumulative successes recorded during the period, including the surrender of 11 terrorists and recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items, reflected the impact of sustained pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks.

It added that Operation HADIN KAI remained committed to disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and denying them freedom of action across the North-East.