BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026/ 11:52PM

Four terrorists have been arrested by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, following a night ambush in Yobe State.

The arrest is alongside the surrender of 11 terrorists and arrest of 9 suspected drug dealers between 15 and 22 September, 2026.

The troops also recovered a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items as sustained operations continue to degrade terrorist capabilities and deny them freedom of action across the joint operations area.

According to a statement on Tuesday by OPHK's spokesman, Capt. Mohammed Goni, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with the civilian joint task force, CJTF, laid an ambush east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State at about 11:00 pm on 21 September, 2026.

'Troops made contact with suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight with superior firepower,' the statement said.

During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops arrested 4 suspected terrorists.

Capt. Goni said blood traces observed in the general area indicate possible casualties among the fleeing terrorist elements.

Items recovered included 4 bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm special ammunition cases.

Capt. Goni confirmed that the suspects and recovered items are in military custody for further investigation, while exploitation of the area continues.

In a related development, troops of the brigade arrested 9 suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA, on 19 September, 2026.

The suspects were found in possession of a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, 2 mobile phones and N85,900.

'The arrest forms part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities capable of undermining security and creating enabling conditions for terrorism and other forms of violent crime. The suspects and exhibits have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for further investigation and necessary legal action,' Capt. Goni said.

The cumulative successes recorded between 15 and 22 September, including the surrender of 11 terrorists and recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items, reflect the impact of sustained operational pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks.

In the statement, OPHK said it remains resolute in sustaining operational momentum, disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and denying them freedom of action across the North East.