Troops nab terrorists, drug peddlers, rescue kidnapped victims in Northeast

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian Army has listed arrest of three terrorists, a wanted Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, drug peddlers as well as rescue of two kidnapped victims among the achievements of troops deployed from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

Sani Uba, a Lieutenant Colonel who is Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Giving a breakdown of the operations, Uba said troops apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu (32) and Ibrahim Adamu (20) in Ngamdu town, Yobe State.

He listed items recovered from the two suspects who, according to him, fled from Zamfara State into Yobe State to include a smartphone, keypad phone, power bank, identification card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects.

“The suspects have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation,” Uba said.

The Army spokesperson also revealed that troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad (30) who had been on the watchlist at Ngamdu Market. The suspect, he said was arrested with cash, a keypad mobile phone, a wallet containing identification cards, charms, a knife, and an exercise book containing phone numbers of suspected terrorist contacts.

According to him, the arrest of the suspect who has been over to Sector 2 Headquarters for detailed interrogation is considered a major disruption to the intelligence network of terrorist elements operating within the area.

Also, Uba said troops arrested five suspected drug peddlers found in possession of various items, including ammunition during a night operation around Mubi general area of Adamawa State.

“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” he said

The Army spokesperson also revealed that troops in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), responded swiftly to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

“The joint team successfully rescued two kidnapped victims, Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10). Efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of other abducted persons still in captivity.

“Also, troops of OPHK deployed in Kukareta area of Yobe State, recovered a hand grenade suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The explosive device was safely secured in line with established procedures,” Uba added.