The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of a wanted extremist leader, Idris Idris, also known as Babawo Badoo, alongside 37 other suspects during coordinated operations across the country.
The operations also led to the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of two terrorists, and the recovery of assorted weapons, ammunition, and logistics items, according to a statement by the Army.
The statement said, “The high-profile suspect, Babawo Badoo, was arrested on 20 October 2025 by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE at Lugere Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops apprehended the suspect and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, and the sum of ₦12,000.”
It added that the operation “dealt a major blow to the network of violent extremists operating in the North Central region.”
In a related operation, troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, working with the Police and Civilian Joint Task Force, raided a criminal hideout at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting 19 suspects currently under investigation.
The Army also disclosed that in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), “apprehended an ISWAP/JAS terrorist informant and ransom collector at the Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.”
It further revealed that, “Troops ambushed and neutralized two terrorists at Ngirbuwa Village in Gujba Local Government Area, recovering one AK-47 rifle with three magazines.”
The statement continued, “In further operations, troops arrested six suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe States. Items recovered included 33 petrol-filled 25-litre jerrycans, food items, mobile phones and identification cards belonging to the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, used to conceal their criminal activities.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops’ resilience and professionalism.
He said, “I commend your resilience, operational efficiency and dedication. I urge you to sustain the momentum in our ongoing efforts to rid the nation of all forms of criminality.”
The Army reiterated its commitment to creating a safer environment to boost economic and agricultural activities, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.
Army Arrests Notorious Extremist ‘Babawo Badoo,’ 37 Others, Rescues 15 Kidnap Victims
