Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested five suspected kidnappers in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement on its official Facebook page on Friday, the Nigerian Army said the suspects were members of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising innocent civilians in the area.

The statement reads: “Troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have continued to dominate the battlefield with massive operational gains in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality in the North-East region, with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the recovery of arms and ammunition in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops conducted a well-coordinated operation along a known criminal corridor in Magumeri, leading to the arrest of five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising innocent civilians within the area,” it said.

The statement further noted that 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.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities within parts of Borno State.

“The arrested individuals are currently in custody and are assisting security agencies with further investigations aimed at apprehending other members of the syndicate and dismantling their support networks,” it said.

The successful operation, according to the statement, highlights the relentless commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining offensive actions against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to ensure lasting peace, security, and stability across the country,” the statement concluded. (Saturday PUNCH)