Boko Haram fighter surrenders with AK-47, bomb in Borno

A suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province fighter has surrendered to troops in Borno State, handing over an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and an improvised explosive device.

The suspect surrendered on Sunday to troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, of Operation Hadin Kai, working with forest guards in Borgozo, Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.

The military said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect fled a terrorist enclave after deciding to abandon the group.

Items recovered from him included an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an improvised explosive device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.

The suspect has been taken into custody for further investigation and profiling, according to the military.

In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area.

The operation followed intelligence on the activities of the suspected kidnappers in the area.

Troops, supported by local hunters, raided the group’s hideout and arrested three suspects, recovering a Dane gun.

The military said subsequent covert operations resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects, bringing the number of detainees to six.

The suspects were said to have operated around Soktu, Dumne and Maigero communities in Song LGA.

According to the military, the suspects confessed to participating in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes in the area.

They remain in military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the operations reflected the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist and criminal groups in the region.

Goni said the Theatre Command would continue offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action and improving security for residents.

He added that the command would sustain its operations to create an environment where economic and other legitimate activities could flourish across the North-East.