Nigerian Army Troops Smashes Terror Networks, Rescues Hostages, Seizes Weapons

Nigerian Army Troops Smashes Terror Networks, Rescues Hostages, Seizes Weapons

The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide offensive, recording major breakthroughs against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal syndicates between 29 September and 1 October 2025. The daring operations led to the rescue of hostages, arrests of key suspects, neutralization of terrorists, and recovery of weapons, livestock, illicit drugs, vehicles and illegal mining materials.

In Borno State, troops neutralized ISWAP/JAS fighters, rescued hostages and seized AK-47 rifles, grenades, motorcycles and communication equipment. Similar clearance operations around Mittiri, Loskuri, and Tamsu Ngamdu freed more captives and dismantled insurgent positions.

Troops deployed in Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States also freed kidnapped victims, recovered over 80 rustled cattle and arrested armed herders and killers linked to recent attacks in the area.

In Sokoto and Kano states, soldiers rescued fleeing villagers and captured a wanted terrorist leader, while in Enugu, two IPOB/ESN elements were taken into custody after a sting intelligence led operation.

The clampdown also extended to the South South, where illegal refining camps in Rivers were destroyed and five drug suspects were arrested in Bayelsa with narcotics. In Taraba, a convoy disguised as police was busted with 1,134 blocks of cannabis. In Kogi, a drug courier with cash, gold extract, and hard drugs was intercepted but neutralized while attempting escape. Troops in Oyo also arrested three Chinese nationals at an illegal lithium mining site, recovering vehicles, phones and ore.

Overall, the operations resulted in the rescue of more than 10 hostages, the arrest of dozens of suspects, the recovery of multiple assault rifles, grenades and ammunition. It also yielded the seizure of illicit drugs worth millions and the dismantling of illegal refining and mining sites.

These feats reaffirm the Army’s determination to crush criminal networks, restore peace and safeguard communities in line with Federal Government efforts to strengthen national security and food security.