The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of a Chinese national claiming to be a miner during a series of coordinated military operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Geidam LGA in Yobe State.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced that the Chinese national was apprehended between June 5 and 7, 2025, alongside five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators. The arrest occurred in active combat zones, raising questions about the suspect’s presence in areas under military operation.
During the operation, troops also recovered a vehicle, a motorcycle, mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and N10,000 in cash from the suspects. The Chinese national is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to determine his motives and whether he had any accomplices.
Military authorities have stated that a thorough investigation is underway, and the full details—including why the suspect was in the operational area and the circumstances of his arrest—will be made public upon completion of the probe.
The operation also resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of a suspected drug peddler, the rescue of three kidnapped victims, and the destruction of terrorist hideouts and equipment. The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to national security and transparency, assuring the public that updates will be provided as investigations progress.
