Army Arrests Six Kidnappers in Adamawa as Boko Haram Fighter Surrenders in Borno

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected kidnappers in Adamawa State, while a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist surrendered to the military in Borno State.

The six suspects were arrested around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State after troops received intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.

The acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

According to Goni, troops from Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai, working with local hunters, raided the suspected hideout after receiving credible intelligence about the group.

The statement read, “Following credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, in conjunction with local hunters, swiftly mobilised and raided the identified hideout.

The operation, he said, “led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.

“Further investigation and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to six.”

Goni said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had been active across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA.

He added that the suspects reportedly confessed to taking part in several abductions for ransom as well as other violent crimes in the area.

“They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” he stated.

In Borno State, Goni said troops had also received a repentant Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist who surrendered at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.

He said the development occurred on September 13, 2026, when troops of 29 Task Force Brigade under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside Forest Guards, received the terrorist.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from an enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism,” he said.

According to the military, the surrendered fighter was found with an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four magazines, an Improvised Explosive Device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.

“The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures,” he stated.

Goni described the arrests and surrender as evidence of continued military pressure against terrorists and other criminal groups within the Operation Hadin Kai Joint Operations Area.

“The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling an environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive,” he assured.