Nigerian Army operations disrupted terrorists and criminals nationwide, rescuing hostages, seizing arms and destroying illegal oil sites

Nigerian Army operations have delivered a decisive blow to terrorists and criminal groups across Nigeria in a string of coordinated missions between 10 and 13 October, resulting in multiple arrests, the rescue of kidnap victims, and the recovery of weapons and stolen crude.

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A credible source at Army Headquarters confirmed that the sustained offensive led to the neutralisation of four terrorists and the arrest of 53 suspects across six geopolitical zones.

In addition, nine kidnapped individuals were freed, while over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered and dozens of motorcycles seized.

These Nigerian Army operations were tactically focused on insurgent strongholds, criminal hideouts and logistical routes spanning the North East, North Central, North West, South East and South-South regions.

In Borno State, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade arrested two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers in Gwoza Wakane.

Meanwhile, the 156 Task Force Battalion apprehended a suspected terrorist informant in Mainok, Kaga LGA.

Further north in Kebbi, soldiers from 1 Battalion, in coordination with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), detained a known terrorist collaborator and confiscated a motorcycle and mobile phone believed to be used for surveillance and communication.

The North Central region also saw significant breakthroughs. Operation Whirl Stroke forces raided criminal hideouts in Keana LGA, Nasarawa State, where three kidnappers were arrested after an exchange of gunfire.

In Karu LGA, troops uncovered an illegal mining site and detained nine suspects now in NSCDC custody.

Nigerian Army operations in the South East yielded results as well. In Imo State, troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade neutralised an IPOB/ESN operative and arrested two others.

A cache of ammunition, mobile phones and fetish charms were recovered.

In Abia and Anambra, soldiers seized illegal radios, gunpowder, and ammunition following multiple operations, including one after an IED detonation.

In the North West, troops of the 17 Brigade repelled a terrorist attack in Katsina, killing one militant and recovering AK-47 rifles and motorcycles.

In Zamfara, rustled cattle were recovered and returned to the local authorities.

Kwara State’s 12 Brigade rescued nine hostages from a kidnap gang operating along the Egbe–Okoloke–Pategi Road in a well-coordinated raid.

In the South-South, forces from 16 Brigade and 29 Battalion discovered illegal refining camps in Rivers and Abia States.

Over 4,000 litres of crude and illegal products were destroyed. Joint operations with the NDLEA in Lagos and Edo also saw the arrest of 15 drug suspects and the destruction of cannabis farms.

These victories reaffirm the military’s unyielding commitment to restoring security and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

The source added that the army will continue to intensify its tempo in line with the Federal Government’s agenda on national security, food supply stability and economic development.

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Nigerian Army operations, by design and execution, continue to be a vital force multiplier in the fight against terror and criminality, bringing a renewed sense of hope across affected communities.

Nigerian Army operations disrupt terrorists, rescue victims