The Nigerian Army has intensified its operations across the country, successfully neutralizing four terrorists and apprehending 53 suspects in a series of coordinated actions conducted between October 10 and October 13.
A reliable source at the Army Headquarters disclosed that the recent operations targeted insurgent strongholds, criminal hideouts, and logistics routes across the North East, North Central, North West, South East, and South-South regions. These efforts resulted in the rescue of nine kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
In the North East, troops from the 26 Task Force Brigade apprehended two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers in Gwoza Wakane, Borno State. Additionally, the 156 Task Force Battalion captured a suspected terrorist spy in Mainok, Kaga Local Government Area. Collaboration between 1 Battalion (Rear) and the NSCDC led to the arrest of a terrorist collaborator in Augie, Kebbi State, along with the recovery of a motorcycle and mobile phone.
In the North Central region, Operation Whirl Stroke troops raided criminal hideouts at Angwan Kuje in Nasarawa State, apprehending three suspected kidnappers after an exchange of fire and recovering a motorcycle. Meanwhile, the 177 Guards Battalion uncovered an illegal mining site behind Gurku Hill in Karu Local Government Area and detained nine suspects, who were handed over to the NSCDC.
In the South East, the 34 Artillery Brigade neutralized one IPOB/ESN member and arrested two others in Mbaïtoli Local Government Area of Imo State, recovering ammunition, mobile phones, and charms. The 143 Battalion captured an IPOB/ESN logistics supplier in Lokpaukwu, Abia State, seizing gunpowder, radios, and other equipment. Troops from the 14 Field Engineer Regiment in Anambra State recovered a locally-made pistol, 48 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and walkie-talkies following an IED detonation in Orumba South Local Government Area.
In the North West, the 17 Brigade in Katsina State successfully repelled a terrorist attack in Mabai, neutralizing one terrorist and recovering three AK-47 rifles and 11 motorcycles. Troops from the 1 Brigade in Zamfara State recovered 18 rustled cattle in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, which were handed to local authorities. The 12 Brigade in Kwara State rescued nine kidnapped victims along the Egbe–Okoloke–Pategi Road.
In the South-South, troops from the 16 Brigade and 29 Battalion uncovered illegal refining sites in Rivers and Abia States, destroying over 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illicitly refined products. Joint operations with the NDLEA in Edo and Lagos States led to the arrest of 15 drug suspects, the destruction of cannabis farms, and the handover of seized items to relevant agencies.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to sustaining operational momentum, enhancing security, and supporting economic activities in line with the Federal Government’s agenda for food security and national stability.