Troops capture 5 suspected kidnappers, recover rifles

In a significant development, troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have captured five suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms and ammunition.

The military operation which took place in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, forms part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and criminal activities across the North-East region.

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on Friday, the Nigerian Army said the arrests followed intelligence reports that led troops to a notorious criminal route in Magumeri.

According to the statement, the operation resulted in the apprehension of five individuals suspected to be members of a kidnapping syndicate accused of terrorising residents in the area.

”During the operation, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, thereby disrupting the criminal network’s operational capability and denying the suspects the means to perpetrate further acts of violence,” it said.

The Army noted that initial findings from the investigation suggest that the suspects are connected to kidnapping operations and other criminal offences in parts of Borno State.

It added that the suspects remain in custody and are cooperating with investigators as security agencies intensify efforts to track down other members of the syndicate and dismantle its support structures.