Troops Arrest 4 Suspected Terrorists, 9 Drug Dealers in Yobe

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested four suspected Boko Haram terrorists during a night ambush in Yobe State, while 11 other terrorists surrendered to the military within one week.

The operations, conducted between September 15 and 22, 2026, also led to the arrest of nine suspected drug dealers and the recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Goni said troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), laid an ambush east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area at about 11 p.m. on September 21.

According to him, the troops encountered suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, forcing some of the assailants to flee.
He said four suspected terrorists were subsequently arrested during an exploitation of the area.

“Blood traces observed in the general area indicate possible casualties among the fleeing terrorist elements,” the statement said.

The troops also recovered four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm Special ammunition cases.

Goni said the suspects and recovered items had been taken into military custody for further investigation, while troops continued to exploit the area.

In another operation, troops arrested nine suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA, on September 19.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and ₦85,900 cash.

The military said the operation was aimed at disrupting criminal activities capable of undermining security and creating an environment conducive to terrorism and other violent crimes.

The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The military further disclosed that 11 terrorists surrendered to troops during the period under review, while a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items were also recovered.

It said the developments formed part of sustained operations aimed at weakening terrorist networks and disrupting their support structures across the North-East.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining operational pressure on terrorist and criminal groups and denying them freedom of action in the region.