Troops Bust Terror Cell, Arrest Informant, Drug Syndicate, Rescue Kidnapped Children in Northeast

Troops Bust Terror Cell, Arrest Informant, Drug Syndicate, Rescue Kidnapped Children in Northeast

By Njadvara Musa

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai has recorded fresh operational gains, arresting two suspected terrorists, an informant, and five alleged drug traffickers across Borno State, Adamawa State, and Yobe State.

The military also rescued two kidnapped children during coordinated counter-terrorism operations in the region.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday in Maiduguri by the media information officer of the operation, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who said troops sustained pressure on insurgents and their collaborators across the theater.

According to him, troops operating in Ngamdu apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu, 32, and Ibrahim Adamu, 20, during field engagements. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects had relocated from Zamfara to Yobe State.

Items recovered from them include mobile phones, a power bank, an identity card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal belongings. The suspects have since been transferred to relevant authorities for further investigation.

In a related operation, troops of the 254 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested a suspected informant linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province at Ngamdu market.

The suspect, identified as Ali Muhammad, 30, was reportedly on a security watchlist. He was found with cash, a mobile phone, identification cards, charms, a knife, and a notebook containing contacts of suspected terrorist elements.

Military authorities described the arrest as a significant blow to the intelligence network of insurgents in the area, adding that the suspect is undergoing detailed interrogation.

Meanwhile, troops conducting a night operation around the Mubi axis in Adamawa arrested five suspected drug peddlers. Items recovered from them include ammunition and other materials believed to be linked to criminal activities. They are currently in custody pending prosecution.

In another breakthrough, troops deployed in Madagali, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, responded to a distress call and successfully rescued two abducted children, Barnabas Apagu, 12, and Ruth Apagu, 10.

Security sources said efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims believed to still be in captivity.

Similarly, troops in the Kukareta area of Yobe State recovered a hand grenade that fleeing insurgents likely abandoned. The military safely secured the explosive device in accordance with standard procedures.

The military high command commended the troops for their resilience and dedication, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Northeast.