Troops, hunters arrest five suspected kidnappers, recover weapons in Yobe

Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), working alongside the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during an intelligence-led operation in Yobe State.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was conducted on July 23, 2026, at Jegalari Village in Fune Local Government Area.

The statement said troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at the Damaturu Military Cantonment, launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected criminals.

During the operation, security personnel recovered 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 activities.

The military said the suspects are currently in custody along with the recovered items, while investigations continue to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other related crimes.

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

The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency, noting that timely and credible information from members of the public remains vital to ongoing efforts to improve security and protect communities across the region.