YOBE TROOPS CAPTURE FOUR SUSPECTED TERRORISTS AS 11 OTHERS LAY DOWN ARMS

Troops of 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 operations, carried out as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks in the North-East, also resulted in the arrest of nine suspected drug dealers and the recovery of ammunition, a vehicle and other items.

The four suspects were apprehended after troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, mounted an ambush east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area. The operation began at about 11pm on September 21 when troops encountered suspected terrorists moving through the area, leading to a firefight. The military said its troops gained the upper hand, after which four suspected terrorists were arrested during a subsequent search of the area.

Items recovered during the operation included four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm Special ammunition cases. Troops also observed blood traces around the area, suggesting that some of the fleeing terrorist elements may have sustained injuries during the encounter, although the military did not provide a confirmed figure for possible casualties. The arrested suspects and recovered materials have been taken into military custody as troops continue to search the area.

In a separate operation in Buni Yadi, also in Gujba Local Government Area, troops arrested nine suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol on September 19. The suspects were reportedly found with a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and ₦85,900 in cash. The military said the operation was part of efforts to tackle criminal activities that could create conditions favourable to terrorism and other violent crimes, while the suspects and exhibits were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The military also reported that 11 terrorists surrendered during the period under review, alongside the recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items. The Joint Task Force said the combined operations reflected its continued efforts to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and restrict their freedom of movement across the North-East. Operation Hadin Kai said it would maintain offensive and intelligence-driven operations against the groups and their support networks in its area of responsibility.