In a sweeping wave of intelligence-led operations across multiple regions of the country, the Nigerian Army has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime.
Between October 8 and 11, 2025, troops neutralized 26 terrorists and criminal elements, arrested 22 suspects, rescued five kidnapped victims, and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and logistics supplies.
A major highlight of the operations came from the South East, where troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, tracked down and neutralized a high-profile IPOB/ESN commander, known as Alhaji, in Ezza-Eyimaggu, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the Nigerian Army via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, “The criminal, who attempted to disarm a soldier during his arrest, was eliminated after a brief scuffle.”
In a related operation, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade destroyed an IPOB/ESN indoctrination shrine during a patrol in Mbaotoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
Meanwhile, in the North East, the army intensified its campaign against ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged insurgents along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna Road in Borno State, neutralizing four terrorists and rescuing two hostages. The troops also recovered ₦4.3 million and two mobile phones previously seized by the terrorists.
In another encounter in Magumeri, troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion neutralized five terrorists, recovering one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a dagger.
Three disillusioned terrorists also surrendered to troops of the 242 Recce Battalion in Monguno, Borno State. The former fighters cited exhaustion and frustration as reasons for laying down their arms after fleeing ISWAP enclaves around the volatile Timbuktu Triangle.
Further demonstrating joint-force efficiency, an intelligence-led airstrike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck a terrorist hideout at Gebe Primary School in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing several terrorists including high-ranking leaders.
In the North West, troops intercepted a logistics courier transporting hard drugs and motorcycle spare parts from Lagos to Zamfara State. The suspects were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. Responding to distress calls in Zamfara’s Anka LGA, troops also rescued abducted civilians and neutralized armed terrorists during a hot pursuit.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted coordinated raids in Nasarawa and Benue States, arresting kidnapping suspects, rescuing victims, and recovering weapons and charms. Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State also foiled a cattle rustling operation and arrested five drug peddlers in Bassa LGA.
In the South-South, troops of Sector 3 Operation DELTA SAFE engaged cultists in Rivers State, neutralizing two and arresting one suspect. Recovered items included rifles, magazines, motorcycles, and military gear. Similarly, in Edo State, troops of the 4 Brigade rescued a kidnapped victim in Esan South East LGA and recovered their vehicle.
Summing up the nationwide effort, the Nigerian Army confirmed:
“Across all theatres of operation, troops rescued a total of five kidnapped victims, neutralized 26 terrorists and criminal elements and arrested 22 suspects for various offences including terrorism, banditry, drug trafficking and cultism.”
Seized materials include AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, charms, and locally made weapons.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to uphold national security and support the Federal Government’s drive toward food security and economic stability.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to creating a safer environment that will boost economic and agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security,” the statement concluded.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
