Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Borno, Recover Items
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin KAI, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended at about 7:00 p.m. on May 30 during a security operation conducted by troops of the 231 Tank Battalion in Biu.
According to the sources, the suspect is alleged to have been involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities within parts of Borno and neighbouring states.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect confessed to acquiring weapons previously belonging to terrorists neutralised during an air operation around Buratai Forest in January.
The suspect allegedly told investigators that following the airstrike, he and two accomplices recovered two AK-47 rifles from the slain terrorists.
Security sources said the suspect further confessed that the weapons were subsequently used by a criminal syndicate for kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Biu, Gombe, Askira/Uba, Chibok and surrounding communities.
Items recovered from the suspect include three mobile phones, one wristwatch, two ATM cards, one National Identification Number (NIN) card, four SIM cards, a cash sum of N210 and other personal effects.
A security source said the suspect and the recovered items were in military custody while investigations continue.
“The suspect is assisting investigators with useful information regarding the activities of the criminal network and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate,” the source said.
The arrest forms part of ongoing operations by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists and other armed groups freedom of action in the North-East.
Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at enhancing security and protecting communities across the region.
