The Nigerian Army has achieved a major operational feat, taking down one of the country’s most wanted terror masterminds, Kachalla Maidawa, alongside 35 other insurgents in a string of coordinated nationwide operations between 29 September and 4 October 2025.
The operations, conducted across multiple theatres, also led to the arrest of 32 criminal suspects, the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and logistics supplies from terror cells scattered across the country.
In Kogi State, troops under Operation EGWU EKE ATITE III, working jointly with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police, and Hybrid Forces, foiled a major terrorist attack planned for Isanlu, Yagba West LGA. The fierce exchange ended in the death of over twelve terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, whose reign of terror had haunted communities across Kogi East and Kwara State.
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones, and other materials.
In Kebbi State, troops of 1 Brigade staged an ambush along the Salka–Kinke–Makurdi axis in Ngaski LGA, killing two terrorists and rescuing eight kidnapped victims. The troops also recovered seven AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.
Similarly, in Kaduna State, troops of 11 Field Engineer Regiment and CSI Battalion intercepted several criminal operations, including an attempted ₦3 million ransom delivery and brand-new motorcycles meant for bandits. The troops rescued five hostages and neutralized several fleeing assailants in Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs.
Two suspected kidnappers were also nabbed at Damakasuwa checkpoint in Zangon Kataf LGA with ₦1.3 million, while follow-up operations led to the elimination of two other members of the syndicate who attempted to escape arrest.
In the North East, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS elements at Dipchari, Bama LGA (Borno State), killing five terrorists. Meanwhile, 3 Battalion and 24 Task Force Brigade arrested ISWAP logistics and drug couriers along the Gamboru–Wulgo Road, recovering illicit items. Another operation in Monguno led to the arrest of 12 suspects, including a terrorist tax collector, dismantling part of the group’s intelligence and funding network.
In the South East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation UDO KA raided IPOB/ESN hideouts in Abia and Imo States, arresting several suspects, including one linked to the abduction and killing of the Vice Chancellor of Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo. A known foot soldier of a top ESN commander was neutralized during the raid, with one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 14 rounds of ammunition recovered.
Operations under Operation DELTA SAFE in the South South uncovered multiple illegal oil refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States, where over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered. Troops, working with the NDLEA, also arrested 14 drug peddlers.
Elsewhere, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops neutralized an armed suspect in Benue State and rescued six kidnapped victims in Taraba State, while coordinated arrests of arms suppliers and collaborators were made in Sokoto and Kano States.
Overall, the Nigerian Army dealt a decisive blow to terrorists and criminals nationwide — neutralizing over 35 terrorists (including Kachalla Maidawa), arresting 32 suspects, and rescuing 22 hostages.
Recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 780 rounds of ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones, and other logistics materials.
According to a senior military source, these sweeping operations reaffirm the Army’s intelligence-driven precision, combat superiority, and unyielding resolve to restore peace and stability nationwide.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in ensuring a secure environment that supports agricultural and economic activities in line with the Federal Government’s vision for national food security and sustainable development,” the source stated.
Kachalla Maidawa Falls: Troops Neutralize Terror Kingpin, 35 Others
