Troops Nab Zamfara Terror Suspects In Borno As Police Defuse IED

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), “Operation HADIN KAI” (OPHK), have continued to record significant operational successes across the theatre, including arrest ofsuspected terrorists and their collaborators, rescue of kidnapped civilians and recovery of explosive devices during coordinated operations.

A statement issued to newsmen yesterday by the media information officer of OPHK, Lt- Col. Sani Uba, said in a notable development, troops of OPHK deployed at Ngamdu, while conducting some operational engagements in Ngamdu town, in Kaga local government area of Borno State, apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu (32) and Ibrahim Adamu (20).

He said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects fled from Zamfara State to Yobe State, adding that items recovered from them include a smartphone, keypad phone, power bank, identification card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects.

Uba added that the suspects have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

The OPHK media information officer said in a related operation, troops of 254 Battalion under Headquarters Sector 2 arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad (30), at Ngamdu Market.

He said the suspect, who had been on the unit’s watchlist, was found in possession of some cash, a keypad mobile phone, a wallet containing identification cards, charms, a knife, and an exercise book containing phone numbers of suspected terrorist contacts.

” He has been handed over to Sector 2 Headquarters for detailed interrogation. The arrest is considered a major disruption to the intelligence network of terrorist elements operating within the area.

“Similarly, troops of OPHK , during a night operation around Mubi general area of Adamawa State, arrested five suspected drug peddlers found in possession of various items, including ammunition. The suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.

” In another operation, troops of OPHK deployed in Madagali, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), responded swiftly to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

“The joint team successfully rescued two kidnapped victims, Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10), while efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of other abducted persons still in captivity. Additionally, troops of OPHK,  deployed in Kukareta area of Yobe State, recovered a hand grenade suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The explosive device was safely secured in line with established procedures,” the OPHK media information officer said.

He added that the Military High Command  commends the troops for their gallantry and sacrifices,  urging them to sustain the operational tempo.

Uba said the Military High command equally, reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, protecting lives and property,  restoring enduring peace and  economic stability across the North East region.

” Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations,” the statement read.

In annother development, the Borno State police command said on 5th May, 2026, at about 0900hrs, during routine surveillance and foot patrol, operatives of the State Police Command recovered a suspicious bag abandoned at Layin Logo, Moduganari area of Maiduguri.

A statement by the police public relations officer ( PPRO ) , Kenneth Nahum Daso, said the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 was immediately deployed to the scene, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) concealed in the bag was identified and safely detonated in line with standard operating procedures.

” Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or objects to the nearest Police Station. Investigations are ongoing, Further details will be provided in due course,” Daso said.