The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of a notorious violent extremist and insurgent leader, Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo, alongside 37 other criminal suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
According to a statement released by the Army, the operations also led to the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of two terrorists, and the recovery of assorted weapons, ammunition, and logistics supplies.
The Army said Babawo Badoo was apprehended on October 20, 2025, by troops of Operation Enduring Peace at Lugere Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Acting on credible intelligence, troops arrested the suspect and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a mobile phone, and ₦12,000.
Describing the arrest as “a major setback” to extremist activities in the North-Central region, the statement noted that troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, in collaboration with the Police and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), also raided a suspected criminal hideout at Saya Village, Bassa Local Government Area, arresting 19 suspects who are currently under investigation.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested an ISWAP/JAS terrorist informant and ransom collector at the Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
During a separate operation, troops ambushed and neutralised two terrorists at Ngirbuwa Village in Gujba Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle and three magazines.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated operations with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.
