By Gabriel Ameh
A Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighter has surrendered to Nigerian troops with an AK-47 rifle and an improvised explosive device, while six suspected kidnappers have been arrested in separate operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
The developments were announced on Monday in a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the military, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, working with Forest Guards, received the surrender of the terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, on September 13.
The military said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had escaped from a terrorist enclave and decided to abandon terrorism.
Items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an improvised explosive device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The surrendered fighter was taken into military custody for further investigation and profiling, the statement said.
Six suspected kidnappers arrested in Adamawa
In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4, Operation Hadin Kai, acting on intelligence, raided a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out with local hunters, initially led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of a Dane gun.
The military said subsequent investigations and covert operations led to the arrest of three more suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to six.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the syndicate had been operating around Soktu, Dumne and Maigero communities in Song LGA.
According to the statement, the suspects admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes in the area.
The six suspects remain in military custody and are expected to undergo further investigation before any appropriate legal action.
The Theatre Command said the operations demonstrate the continued pressure being applied by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorists and criminal groups operating within its Joint Operations Area.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, restricting the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements, and creating a safer environment for residents and economic activities to thrive.
