Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during a coordinated raid operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in Jegalari village.
The sources said troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, stormed the hideout in conjunction with the local hunters, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as Hassan Lawan (28), Isah Bello (30), Haruna Suleiman (20), Ibrahim Bello (20), and Ahmadu Haruna (19).
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During the operation, security personnel recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, three Tecno mobile phones, and one Android phone.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are indigenes of Ririn Village in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State. They identified themselves as members of the Fulani ethnic group and claimed to be cattle rearers.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Military sources said the successful operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by Operation HADIN KAI and other security stakeholders to dismantle kidnapping and criminal networks operating across the North-East and adjoining states.
The security situation in the area was reported to be calm after the operation, although security forces remain on alert to prevent any retaliatory or related criminal activities.