Troops of Sector 2, Northeast Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have arrested five suspected kidnappers with the recovery of three AK-47 rifles in Jegalan village of Fune Local Government Area in Yobe State.

The military said all the recovered rifles were locally fabricated for the alledged commted crime in the local council area.

Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni , in a statement issued Friday in Maiduguri said; “The ground troops in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted on 23 July 2026 at Jegalari Village in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.*

Goni added that the operation, executed by troops of 233 Battalion deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected criminal elements.

“During the raid, troops recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition, and four mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspects’ criminal activities,” he added.

Meanwhile, the suspects are currently in military custody alongside the recovered exhibits for further investigation to ascertain their involvement in kidnapping and other related criminal activities in the council area.

Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its commitment to denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North East through sustained intelligence-driven operations.

The military, therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest

security

agency.

Timely and credible information from law-abiding citizens remains critical to ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and enhance security across the North East region. (The Guardian News)