Military Arrest Nine Suspected Kidnappers, Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Adamawa, Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested nine suspected criminals, including six alleged members of a kidnapping syndicate in Adamawa State and three suspected suppliers of logistics to terrorists in Borno State, during separate operations.
In Adamawa, troops arrested six suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating across communities in Song Local Government Area and recovered a Dane gun during a raid on the group’s hideout around Soktu Hill on September 13.
The operation was conducted by troops of Sector 4 in collaboration with local hunters following credible human intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.
Three suspects were initially arrested at about 8:30 a.m. during the raid, while one Dane gun was recovered from the hideout.
Military sources said subsequent interrogation and follow-on covert operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrested members of the syndicate to six.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the group allegedly operated around Skotu, Dumne and Maigero communities in Song LGA, where it reportedly carried out a series of kidnappings.
The suspects allegedly confessed to participating in the abduction of more than seven victims and collecting ransom payments from their relatives.
They also reportedly disclosed that some victims who failed to meet the syndicate’s ransom demands were killed.
The suspects and recovered weapon are currently in the custody of 226 Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered food items, household goods, bicycles and mobile phones during separate operations in Konduga Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested on September 11 by troops of 73 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, during operations around Koppa and its environs.
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The first two suspects, identified as Umar Alhaji Bako, 30, and Lawan Bukar, 21, were arrested opposite Koppa village while allegedly transporting food and household items from Maiduguri to Alajiri in Mafa Local Government Area for delivery to terrorists.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly told investigators that terrorists had been sending them money to purchase supplies, which they would subsequently collect at their farms in Alajiri.
They further claimed that failure to deliver the requested items attracted severe punishment and that they were making their third attempt to supply the terrorists.
Items recovered from the suspects included assorted sweets, detergents, spaghetti, mosquito coils, groundnut and palm oil, salt, corn flour, slippers, clothing materials, earrings, caps, Vaseline, a mat, two MP3 music boxes, two Tecno keypad phones, two bicycles and ₦1,700.
In a separate operation conducted at about 8:30 p.m. the same day, troops arrested another suspected logistics supplier, 62-year-old Abdullahi Abubakar, at Koppa village.
Abubakar reportedly confessed that terrorists had sent him money to purchase logistics items in Sojiri and promised him ₦10,000 upon successful delivery.
He also alleged that several farmers in the area undertake similar errands for terrorists, either voluntarily or under coercion.
Troops recovered 240 sachets of milk, five litres of groundnut oil, six kola nuts, a matchbox, a hijab, a bicycle and ₦35,500 from him.
The nine suspects arrested in the two operations remain in military custody as investigations continue to establish their respective roles and identify other members of the criminal and terrorist networks.
The operations highlight ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping networks and disrupt the logistics channels that enable terrorist groups to sustain their activities in the North-East.
Authorities are expected to determine the extent to which the suspects acted voluntarily or under coercion and ensure that those found culpable are subjected to appropriate legal action.
By PRNigeria
