Security Forces Smash Terror Ring, Arrest Informant, Rescue Abductees in Northeast

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded fresh operational gains across Nigeria’s North-East, arresting suspected terrorists and collaborators, rescuing kidnapped civilians, and recovering explosive devices in a series of coordinated offensives spanning Yobe State and Adamawa State.

In one of the operations, troops deployed at Ngamdu apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu, 32, and Ibrahim Adamu, 20, during ongoing engagements in the town. Preliminary investigations indicate that both suspects fled from Zamfara State into Yobe. Items recovered from them include a smartphone, a keypad phone, a power bank, an identification card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects. Military authorities confirmed that the suspects have been handed over for further investigation.

Suspected terrorist informants in custody of the troops

In a related development, troops of the 254 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad, at Ngamdu Market. The suspect, who had reportedly been on a watchlist, was found with cash, a mobile phone, identification documents, charms, a knife, and a notebook containing phone numbers believed to be linked to terrorist contacts. Security officials described the arrest as a significant disruption to the intelligence network supporting insurgent activities in the area.

Elsewhere, troops conducting a night operation in the Mubi general area of Adamawa State arrested five suspected drug peddlers. The suspects were found in possession of various items, including ammunition, and are currently in custody as investigations continue to determine possible links to broader criminal or terrorist networks.

In a separate rescue operation in Madagali Local Government Area, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force responded to a distress call on a kidnapping incident. The joint team successfully rescued two children, Barnabas Apagu, 12, and Ruth Apagu, 10, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of other victims still believed to be in captivity.

Further reinforcing the scale of the operations, troops deployed in the Kukareta area of Yobe State recovered a hand grenade suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The explosive device was secured in line with standard safety procedures, preventing potential harm to civilians and security personnel.

The Military High Command, while commending the troops for their “gallantry and sacrifices,” urged them to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations. It also reassured the public of its “unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, protecting lives and property, and restoring enduring peace and economic stability across the North East region.”