The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched an investigation following the arrest of a Chinese national who claimed to be a miner during a series of coordinated military operations carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The operations were conducted between June 5 and 7, 2025, in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, as well as Geidam LGA in Yobe State.
At a press briefing on Friday, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the detention of the Chinese national, who is currently undergoing interrogation.
“Every suspect will typically deny involvement,” General Kangye said. “But the critical questions remain: what was he doing in that location at the time of the operation, and why was he present in an active operational zone?”
He emphasized that the outcome of the interrogation would provide clarity on the suspect’s activities, whether he acted alone or in collaboration with others, and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
During the military operations, troops successfully neutralized several terrorists and arrested a suspected drug trafficker. In addition, three kidnapped individuals were rescued. The troops also seized a range of items, including weapons, ammunition, materials for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), motorcycles, and vehicles.
Among those apprehended were five terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators, alongside the Chinese national. Recovered items included mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, motorcycles, vehicles, and a cash sum of ₦10,000.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai also responded to intelligence reports of terrorist activities in Gwoza and Abadam LGAs of Borno State, and Nangere LGA in Yobe State between June 6 and 9, 2025. During these missions, more terrorists were killed, three additional kidnap victims were rescued, and further arms and ammunition were recovered. Terrorist camps and equipment were also destroyed in the course of the operations.
Providing a broader update on security activities in the North East, General Kangye stated that from June 6 to 11, 2025, numerous terrorists—comprising men, women, and children—voluntarily surrendered to troops, largely due to the intensified military offensive in the region.
