In a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a Chinese national along with several suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in a series of coordinated operations across Borno and Yobe States, the Defence Headquarters announced on Thursday.
Speaking during the weekly media briefing in Abuja, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the arrests were made between June 5 and 7 in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State and Geidam LGA in Yobe State.
Items recovered from the suspects include a vehicle, motorcycle, mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and ₦10,000 in cash.
According to Hobnob News, the military believes the suspects were actively supporting terrorist groups, specifically Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) — both responsible for the enduring insurgency in the northeast.
“These arrests are in keeping with our unrelenting effort to take down terrorist support networks,” Maj. Gen. Kangye stated.
The arrests were part of broader clearance operations conducted between June 6 and 10, targeting terrorist hideouts in Gwoza, Ngala, and Marte LGAs in Borno, and Bade and Gujba LGAs in Yobe. During these operations, troops reportedly neutralized several insurgents, rescued three kidnapped victims, and seized weapons, IEDs, vehicles, and motorcycles. Numerous terrorist camps and facilities were also destroyed.
In a related development, Gen. Kangye reported a wave of insurgent surrenders. Between June 6 and 11, several terrorists — including men, women, and children — surrendered to Nigerian forces, citing sustained military pressure.
Meanwhile, other military operations across the country are also yielding positive results. Troops under Operation Fasin Yamma (North West), Operation Safe Haven (North Central), and Operation Delta Safe (South South) continue to record gains in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and anti-oil theft missions.
All arrested suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further investigation, the Defence Headquarters confirmed.
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