Troops of Sector 2, Northeast Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered three locally-fabricated AK-47 rifles during an operation in Jegalari village, Fune Local Council of Yobe State.

The military said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspects.

Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said troops of the 233 Battalion deployed at the Damaturu Military Cantonment conducted the intelligence-led operation on July 23.

According to him, 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 said the suspects were in military custody alongside the recovered items for further investigation to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.

Goni reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling terrorism and other criminal activities across the Northeast.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies, noting that timely information from members of the public remains vital to ongoing security operations.