Army arrests five kidnappers in Yobe, recovers weapons

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Military troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during an intelligence-led operation in Jegalari Village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

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The operation, conducted on July 23 2026, by troops of the 233 Battalion deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements operating in the area.

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The troops recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition, and four mobile phones suspected to be linked to the criminal activities of the arrested suspects.

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In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the suspects were in custody for further investigation.

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“The suspects are currently in military custody alongside the recovered exhibits for further investigation to ascertain their involvement in kidnapping and other related criminal activities,” Goni said.

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The military said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal groups freedom of action across the North-East.

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“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its commitment to denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North East through sustained intelligence-driven operations,” the statement added.

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The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.

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“The military urges members of the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency,” the statement said.

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It added that “timely and credible information from law-abiding citizens remains critical to ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and enhance security across the region.”

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