The Nigerian Army has arrested over 20 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements in a series of coordinated nationwide operations within the last 24 hours, marking a significant stride in its intensified efforts to combat insurgency and insecurity across the country. The operations, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, local vigilante groups, and other security agencies, targeted terrorist hideouts, kidnapping syndicates, illegal mining sites, drug trafficking networks, and oil bunkering infrastructure. The results were released in an official operational report on Sunday at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In Kogi State, troops from the 12 Brigade, working alongside police and community vigilantes, launched offensives in Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu villages. The operation led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists and the recovery of two motorcycles and two chainsaw machines. Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA apprehended a suspected terrorist in Afaka. The suspect confessed to abandoning a terrorist camp due to internal conflicts among insurgent leaders.
In Sokoto State, Nigerian Army Stalkers from COAS Intervention Battalion VII and 8 Division conducted clearance operations in Tangaza Local Government Area. They destroyed a terrorist camp and recovered two camouflage trousers. The same operation also rescued a Nigerien national who had been held captive for over three weeks, underscoring the cross-border nature of terrorism in Niger State. During the operation, troops neutralized threats by disposing of one improvised explosive device (IED), arresting five suspects, and dismantling terrorist camps and illegal mining sites.
In Kwara State, swift military response to a distress call forced terrorists to abandon three kidnapped victims. In Edo State, troops rescued victims, apprehended five suspected kidnappers, and recovered one AK-47 rifle with nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and three mobile phones. Two kidnapped farmers were also rescued in another operation, while in Delta State, a suspected IPOB terrorist was arrested at Umunede Junction.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops of 2 Brigade raided drug peddlers’ hideouts, arresting six suspects and recovering 20kg of cannabis sativa, 120g of Canadian Loud, 27.5g of Colorado, 4.3g of methamphetamine, 15 bottles of codeine, one sachet of tramadol, and N431,500. In Rivers State, illegal bunkering infrastructure was uncovered and dismantled, with the recovery of multiple galvanized pipes, hoses, reservoirs, drum ovens, coolants, and a small active drum oven containing 50 litres of AGO.
In Plateau State, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted criminal elements, arresting nine suspects and recovering one SMG rifle, one locally made revolver, one pistol, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and N35,500. In Abia State, troops discovered and secured sacks of suspected stolen crude oil hidden along the Imo River axis.
These coordinated efforts reflect the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the nation. The operations demonstrate a strategic focus on intelligence-led action and inter-agency cooperation, setting the stage for continued progress in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
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