Six kidnappers in military custody after Adamawa operation

Troops conducting operations under Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected kidnappers and recovered a Dane gun in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The arrests followed intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill, according to the Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying troops of Sector 4 OPHK, working with local hunters, acted on the intelligence and raided the suspects’ hideout.

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.”

According to him, the initial operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a Dane gun.

He added, “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 operating across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song LGA.

He said the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the abduction of several victims 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.

Meanwhile, the military said another success was recorded in Borno State after a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist surrendered to troops.

Goni said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK and working with Forest Guards, received the terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on September 13, 2026.

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

According to the Army spokesman, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an improvised explosive device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle from the surrendered terrorist.

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

Goni said the operations reflected the continued efforts of Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the activities of terrorists and criminal groups across the 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.