In a string of coordinated and intelligence-driven operations across the country, troops of the Nigerian Army recorded significant operational successes between 8 and 11 October 2025, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists, arrest of criminal elements, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of arms, ammunition and logistics items.
In the South East, troops of Sector 2 Operation UDO KA tracked and neutralized a wanted IPOB/ESN Commander identified as Alhaji at his hideout in Ezza-Eyimaggu, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The criminal, who attempted to disarm a soldier during his arrest, was eliminated after a brief scuffle. Similarly, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade on patrol in Mbaotoli LGA, Imo State, discovered and destroyed an IPOB/ESN shrine used for criminal indoctrination.
In the North East, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged ISWAP/JAS terrorists along Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna Road in Borno State. Four terrorists were neutralized, while two civilians held hostage were rescued along with over ₦4.3 million and two new mobile phones earlier seized by the terrorists. Likewise, troops of 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri neutralized five terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a dagger.
Still in the North East, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists surrendered to troops of 242 Recce Battalion in Monguno after fleeing their enclaves around the Timbuktu Triangle, citing disillusionment and fatigue. In another encounter, intelligence-led air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at Gebe Primary School in Isa LGA, Sokoto State, decimated several terrorists and their leaders.
In the North West, troops of 8 Division Garrison and local vigilantes intercepted logistics couriers transporting hard drugs and motorcycle spare parts from Lagos to Zamfara State. The suspects were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. Similarly, troops of 1 Brigade responded to distress calls in Anka LGA, Zamfara State, rescuing abducted victims and neutralizing armed terrorists during a pursuit operation.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted successful raids in Nasarawa and Benue States, arresting several kidnapping suspects, rescuing victims and recovering arms, charms and other exhibits. Likewise, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE on the Plateau foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Barkin Ladi and arrested five drug peddlers in Bassa LGA.
In the South-South, troops of Sector 3 Operation DELTA SAFE engaged cultists in Rivers State, neutralizing two and arresting one suspect, while recovering rifles, magazines, ammunition, motorcycles and military accoutrements. In Edo State, troops of 4 Brigade rescued a kidnapped victim in Esan South East LGA and recovered the victim’s vehicle.
Across all theatres of operation, troops rescued a total of five kidnapped victims, neutralized 26 terrorists and criminal elements and arrested 22 suspects for various offences including terrorism, banditry, drug trafficking and cultism. Recovered items include several AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, charms and locally made weapons.
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.
