By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes with the arrest of four suspected Boko Haram terrorists following a night ambush in Yobe State, alongside the surrender of 11 terrorists and arrest of nine suspected drug dealers between September 15 and 22, 2026.
Troops also recovered a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items as sustained operations continue to degrade terrorist capabilities.
Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
Goni said troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), laid ambush east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State at about 11:00 pm on September 21, 2026.
He said troops made contact with suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight with superior firepower.
“During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops arrested four suspected terrorists. Blood traces observed in the general area indicate possible casualties among the fleeing terrorist elements,” he said.
Items recovered included four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm Special ammunition cases. The suspects and recovered items are in military custody for further investigation, while exploitation of the area continues.
In a related development, troops of the Brigade arrested nine suspected drug dealers during routine patrol in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA, on September 19, 2026.
The suspects were found in possession of large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and N85,900.
Goni said the arrest was part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities capable of undermining security and creating enabling conditions for terrorism.
He said the suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary legal action.
According to him, the cumulative successes recorded between September 15 and 22, including surrender of 11 terrorists and recovery of vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items, reflect impact of sustained operational pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, remains resolute in sustaining operational momentum, disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and denying them freedom of action across the North East,” he added.
