The Nigerian Army has said that its troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have continued to record significant operational successes across the theatre.

The Army said the troops have arrested suspected terrorists and their collaborators, rescued kidnapped civilians, and recovered explosive devices during coordinated operations.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Uba Sani, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said that in a notable development, troops of OPHK deployed at Ngamdu, while conducting operational engagements in the town, apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as 32-year-old Haruna Adamu and Ibrahim Adamu, 20.

The Army said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects fled from Zamfara State into Yobe State.

The statement listed items recovered from them to include a smartphone, a keypad phone, a power bank, an identification card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects.

It added: “The suspects have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.”

The Army said in a related operation, troops of 254 Battalion under Headquarters Sector 2 also arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad, 30, at Ngamdu Market.

The suspect, who according to the Army had been on the unit’s watchlist, was found in possession of cash, a keypad mobile phone, a wallet containing identification cards, charms, a knife, and an exercise book containing phone numbers of suspected terrorist contacts.

“He has been handed over to Sector 2 Headquarters for detailed interrogation. The arrest is considered a major disruption to the intelligence network of terrorist elements operating within the area,” the statement said.

Similarly, the Army said that troops of OPHK, during a night operation around the Mubi general area of Adamawa State, arrested five suspected drug peddlers found in possession of various items, including ammunition.

“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” it said.

The statement added: “In another operation, troops of OPHK deployed in Madagali, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), responded swiftly to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

“The joint team successfully rescued two kidnapped victims, Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10), while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of other abducted persons still in captivity.

“Additionally, troops of OPHK deployed in the Kukareta area of Yobe State recovered a hand grenade suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The explosive device was safely secured in line with established procedures.”

The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and sacrifices, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.

Equally, the High Command 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.

It charged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.