Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), “Operation Hadin Kai” (OPHK), have arrested four suspected Boko Haram terrorists following a night ambush in Gujba local government area of Yobe State.
The arrest was part of a series of operations conducted between September 15 and September 22, 2026, during which 11 terrorists reportedly surrendered to the troops, while nine suspected drug dealers were also arrested.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the acting military information officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), “Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), laid an ambush east of Azare Village in Gujba LGA at about 11pm on September 21.
The troops reportedly made contact with suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, forcing some of the insurgents to flee.
Four suspected terrorists were subsequently arrested during the exploitation of the area.
The military said blood traces discovered around the area suggested that some of the fleeing terrorists may have sustained casualties during the encounter.
Items recovered from the scene included four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm special ammunition cases.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation, while troops continue to exploit the area.
In a related operation, troops of the brigade arrested nine suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi, also in Gujba LGA, on September 19.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and N85,900 cash.
The military said the operation was aimed at disrupting criminal activities capable of creating an enabling environment for terrorism and other violent crimes.
The suspects and exhibits have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The statement added that the cumulative operational successes recorded during the period also included the surrender of 11 terrorists and the recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items.
The military said the developments reflected the impact of sustained pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks across the North-East.
It reaffirmed Operation HADIN KAI’s commitment to sustaining operations to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and deny them freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
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