In a renewed wave of coordinated counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations across the country, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized two terrorists, rescued 17 kidnapped victims, and arrested 20 suspects within the last 48 hours.
The operations, described as intelligence-led and decisive, spanned multiple regions including the North East, North West, North Central, and South-South.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the operations were aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting logistics corridors, and restoring stability in affected areas.
In the North East, troops of the 192 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah (JAS) fighters in Hudugum Village, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The troops neutralized two insurgents during the fierce encounter.
Meanwhile, three terrorists identified as Fannami Ari (aka Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (aka Abu Yusuf), and another trainee surrendered to troops in Kukawa and Damboa LGAs, citing frustration with terrorist leadership and poor living conditions.
In the North West, troops of 1 Brigade successfully foiled two kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing 11 victims in separate engagements along the Magami–Jan Gemi and Kucheri–Bilbis routes. The rescued persons have been reunited with their families, as troops maintain aggressive patrols to deny terrorists operational space.
Similarly, in the North Central region, troops under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE carried out synchronized clearance missions across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States. Fifteen suspects were arrested for alleged involvement in cultism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and communal clashes, while four kidnapped victims were rescued in Plateau and Taraba States. Arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials were also recovered.
In the South-South, troops of 29 Battalion dismantled two illegal oil refining camps at Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, disrupting oil theft operations in the area. In a similar operation, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade intercepted 62 sacks of stolen crude oil, estimated at over 3,000 litres, in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to sustain offensive actions against terrorists and criminal elements nationwide. “These operations underscore the Army’s unrelenting resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect law-abiding citizens, and ensure enduring peace and stability across all regions,” the statement added.