FOUR SUSPECTED BOKO HARAM MEMBERS ARRESTED AS 11 OTHERS SURRENDER IN YOBE

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested four suspected Boko Haram terrorists during a night operation in Yobe State, while 11 other terrorists surrendered to the military between September 15 and 22, 2026. The development was disclosed by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, in a statement issued on Tuesday, as troops continued operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the region.

The arrests followed an ambush conducted by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force. The operation took place at about 11pm on September 21, when the troops positioned themselves east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area and made contact with suspected terrorists. The military said the troops engaged the group in a firefight and used superior firepower, after which four suspected terrorists were apprehended during the subsequent search of the area.

According to the military, blood traces found around the area suggested that some of the fleeing terrorist elements may have sustained casualties, although no specific number was confirmed. Troops recovered four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and spent 7.62mm Special ammunition cases during the operation. The suspects and recovered items were taken into military custody for further investigation, while troops continued to search and exploit the area.

In a related operation, soldiers arrested nine suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi, also in Gujba Local Government Area, on September 19. The suspects were allegedly found with a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and ₦85,900 in cash. The military said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and appropriate action.

The Army said the latest operations were part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist networks and their support structures in the North-East. It said the cumulative successes recorded between September 15 and 22 included the surrender of 11 terrorists as well as the recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items. The Joint Task Force said it would continue operations aimed at disrupting terrorist and criminal activities and denying armed groups freedom of action across the region.