Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and an improvised explosive device after a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province fighter surrendered in Borno State.
The fighter surrendered to troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, in collaboration with forest guards, at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, on Sunday.
Preliminary investigation showed that the suspect escaped from a terrorist enclave after deciding to abandon the group.
The items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an Improvised Explosive Device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The military said the suspect had been taken into custody for further investigation and profiling.
In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
The operation followed intelligence on the activities of the suspected kidnappers in the area.
Troops, working with local hunters, raided the group’s hideout and arrested three suspects, recovering one Dane gun.
The military said further covert operations led to the arrest of three other suspects, bringing the total number of arrested members of the syndicate to six.
According to the military, the suspects operated around Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA.
The suspects reportedly admitted to involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes in the area.
They are being held by the military for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the operations demonstrated the troops’ continued pressure on terrorist and criminal groups in the region.
Goni said, “The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action and creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens.”
He added that the command would continue its operations to ensure that economic and other legitimate activities could thrive across the region.
