OPHK Ambush: Four Suspected Terrorists Arrested in Yobe

By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri

Four suspected Boko Haram terrorists have been arrested by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) following a night ambush in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The arrests were made after troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), intercepted suspected terrorists near Azare Village at about 11pm on Monday.

The troops engaged the group in a firefight, forcing some of the suspected terrorists to flee the area.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, troops later exploited the area and arrested four suspects.

The statement said blood traces found at the scene indicated that some of the fleeing elements might have sustained injuries.

Items recovered during the operation included four bicycles, groceries, one sheep and spent 7.62mm Special ammunition cases.

The military said the suspects and recovered items were being held for further investigation, while troops continued to exploit the area.

In another operation in the same local government area, nine suspected drug dealers were arrested during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi on September 19.

The suspects were allegedly found with suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and N85,900 cash.

The military handed the suspects and exhibits over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The military further disclosed that 11 terrorists surrendered to troops between September 15 and 22, while troops recovered a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items during operations within the period.

It said the operations were aimed at disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and restricting their freedom of movement across the North-East.