Troops and Yobe hunters have arrested five suspected kidnappers during an operation in Jegalari village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The operation took place on July 23 and involved troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, working with the Yobe State Hunters Group. The suspects are now in military custody while investigators examine their alleged links to kidnapping and other crimes.
The reports said troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, acted on intelligence about suspected criminals in the area before moving into the village.
Items recovered during the raid included three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition and four mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspects.
Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer for Operation Hadin Kai, said the recovered exhibits were being kept with the suspects while the investigation continues.
The army said the operation was part of continuing efforts to deny armed groups freedom of movement and protect communities in the North-East. It also points to the growing use of local hunters in security operations in parts of the region where troops rely on community intelligence.
No casualty figure was reported in the arrest operation. The next step is the military investigation, which is expected to determine whether the suspects are linked to wider kidnapping networks in the area.
Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Daily Post
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