Nigerian Army Neutralizes 9 Terrorists, Arrest 8 Criminal Suspects, Rescue 37 Kidnapped Victims and Recover Assorted Weapons In Sustained Nationwide Operations

Nigerian Army Neutralizes 9 Terrorists, Arrest 8 Criminal Suspects, Rescue 37 Kidnapped Victims and Recover Assorted Weapons In Sustained Nationwide Operations

In its continuous effort to rid the nation of terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality, troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes across various theatres of operation between 2 and 6 October 2025. These coordinated land and joint operations led to the neutralization of 9 terrorists, arrest of 8 criminal suspects, rescue of 37 kidnapped victims and recovery of several weapons and other items.

In the North East, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralizing five terrorists after a fierce firefight. Similarly, troops of 148 Battalion operating around Iyemero community on the Ekiti–Kogi border neutralized two insurgents and recovered two new AK-47 rifles. In a related operation, 3 Battalion repelled a large-scale attack on its location, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, with one confirmed killed and several others escaping with gunshot wounds.

Troops also arrested 8 criminal suspects for various offences including terrorism, kidnapping and illegal possession of weapons across Borno, Katsina, Imo and Plateau States. Among the arrests were an ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kukawa, a wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin in Imo and a suspected gunrunner in Plateau. Troops equally recovered one dane gun, one fabricated pistol, three AK-47 magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 93 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO and several motorcycles used for criminal activities.

In ongoing clearance operations, troops rescued 37 kidnapped victims across Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Kebbi States. Notably, 28 locals were freed from terrorist captivity in Sakaba, Kebbi State, including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the rescue. In separate missions, troops in Kaduna and Delta States rescued a total of seven kidnapped civilians, while another two victims were freed in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following a swift response by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE.

Additionally, troops intensified anti-smuggling and anti-oil theft operations in the South South. In Imo State, combined forces of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered multiple illegal refining sites, destroying over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products handled in accordance with extant directives.

The Nigerian Army commends the synergy among sister services, security agencies and local vigilantes whose cooperation continues to enhance the success of ongoing operations.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to creating a safer environment that will boost economic and agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.