Army neutralises 17 terrorists, arrests 85 Suspects in nationwide operations

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 17 terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations across the country within the last 48 hours.

A reliable source at the Army Headquarters disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the successes were recorded across several theatres of operation nationwide.

The source said those arrested included Boko Haram informants, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators, drug peddlers, and kidnappers.

The rescued victims, according to the source, were safely evacuated and are currently undergoing profiling and medical evaluation.

In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive counter-terrorism operations under Operations Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search, engaging Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno and Adamawa States.

Troops of 202 and 222 Battalions reportedly came under ambush around Goni Kurmi and Kashomri villages in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno but fought gallantly, killing several terrorists.

In a joint operation with the Department of State Services (DSS), troops of 195 Battalion arrested a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP informant and ransom collector at Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area. The suspect was tracked through monitored calls and financial transactions.

Troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle earlier stolen by terrorists, rescued two kidnapped escapees, and arrested three major logistics suppliers with food items meant for ISWAP cells in Alagarno.

Similarly, in Adamawa State, troops of 144 Battalion intercepted seven vehicles and nine motorcycles transporting 368 bags of cement suspected to be destined for terrorist enclaves in Madagali Local Government Area. Troops also foiled infiltration attempts in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno, with air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

In Sokoto, 69 suspected drug peddlers were arrested during raids on communities in Sokoto South, while five terrorist collaborators were apprehended in Gudu Local Government Area. Troops also recovered ₦4.77 million, six mobile phones, and two bicycles abandoned by fleeing insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road.

In the North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops conducted clearance and stabilization missions in Sokoto and Zamfara States, rescuing a civilian injured in a terrorist attack along Faru–Bagabbuzi Road in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara.

In the North Central zone, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued one kidnapped victim at Dorowa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Another raid at Rawaya Village, Gashish District, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, six magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition.

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke also arrested two suspected kidnappers at Idadu Town in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, while destroying a terrorist camp at Gbagir in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, where they seized mobile phones and customized vehicle plates.

In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified their fight against oil theft. A patrol team in Omoku, Rivers State, intercepted a wooden boat carrying 840 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and arrested one suspect. Another team in Ughelli North, Delta State, seized a vehicle transporting 2,500 litres of illegal condensate.

Across all operations, troops recovered 15 assorted weapons, 21 magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, alongside cash and other logistics items.

The source commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, noting that morale remains high across all formations.

He added that the Nigerian Army remains determined to sustain operational momentum and deny terrorists and criminals any freedom of action nationwide.