The Nigerian Army says troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered arms during an intelligence-led operation in Yobe State.
According to the Army, the operation was carried out on July 23, 2026, at Jegalari Village in Fune Local Government Area by troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at the Damaturu Military Cantonment, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group.
The Army said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements operating in the area.
Items recovered from the suspects include three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition, and four mobile phones believed to have been used in their alleged criminal activities.
The suspects are currently in military custody alongside the recovered exhibits as investigations continue to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal offences.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and security in the North-East, Operation HADIN KAI said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying terrorists and other criminal groups freedom of action across the region.
The military also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency, stressing that timely and credible information from citizens remains critical to ongoing security efforts.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri.
