Nigerian Army troops have achieved significant operational breakthroughs across several parts of the country following coordinated intelligence-driven missions conducted within a 48-hour period. The operations resulted in the neutralization of 27 terrorists, the arrest of 10 suspected criminals, the rescue of 8 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other logistics.
The nationwide operations, which involved both ground forces and air components, were executed across multiple theatres including Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to military authorities, the coordinated actions form part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, dismantle criminal networks, and restore security in affected communities.
INTENSIFIED OFFENSIVES IN THE NORTH-EAST
The most extensive gains were recorded in Borno State under Operation HADIN KAI, where the Air Component conducted precision air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves located within the Tumbuns axis.
Military intelligence and battle damage assessments confirmed that 27 terrorists were eliminated during the operations.
Specifically, 12 insurgents were neutralized in an airstrike conducted on Dawoshe in Kukawa Local Government Area, while an additional 15 terrorists were killed during a separate precision strike in Metele, Guzamala Local Government Area.
The operations were described as highly coordinated and intelligence-led, aimed at disrupting insurgent regrouping efforts and supply routes.
On the ground, troops carried out further clearance operations, leading to the arrest of a suspected terrorist along the Mandara Girau–Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect included communication equipment, food supplies, blankets, batteries, and herbicides believed to be intended for logistical support to insurgent groups.
In another development near Kareto, troops successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt after engaging criminal elements in the area. The operation led to the rescue of six civilians comprising three men and three women who were freed without sustaining injuries. The victims were immediately debriefed and handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.
SECURITY GAINS IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL REGION
In Plateau State, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE continued sustained clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts and violent networks. In Bokkos Local Government Area, a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler was arrested during a targeted raid. A search of the suspect led to the recovery of ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, and military-pattern clothing, raising concerns over possible impersonation and coordinated criminal activity.
In a related operation conducted in Jos South Local Government Area, four additional suspects were apprehended.
The individuals were found in possession of a fabricated pistol and ammunition, and are currently undergoing interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement in criminal activities across the region.
RESCUES AND FOLLOW-UP OPERATIONS IN NASARAWA
Troops operating in Nasarawa State recorded further successes during intelligence-led missions that led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims. The victims were freed after their abductors reportedly abandoned them and fled upon sighting advancing troops.
Following actionable intelligence provided by a previously arrested suspect, security forces located a criminal hideout believed to be linked to multiple kidnapping incidents. Items recovered from the site included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, and a sum of ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities. Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing to trace additional members of the network.
INTERCEPTION OF CARJACKERS IN THE FCT
Within the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted two suspected carjackers along the Abuja–Lokoja Highway. A stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 was recovered during the operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had forcefully taken the vehicle within Abuja and were attempting to transport it out of the city for illegal resale. The suspects are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
SOUTH-SOUTH ANTI-OIL THEFT OPERATIONS
In Akwa Ibom State, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations recorded additional successes. During a patrol in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, approximately 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were discovered concealed in sacks within a bush area.
The recovered petroleum products were confiscated and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and documentation. Military authorities reiterated that crude oil theft remains a major security and economic concern in the region and vowed sustained action against perpetrators.
MILITARY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT
The Nigerian Army described the series of operations as evidence of the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-driven and joint-force coordination in addressing security threats across the country. It emphasized that ongoing offensives are aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement, disrupting their supply chains, and dismantling their operational bases.
The Army further urged members of the public to continue supporting security operations by providing timely, credible, and actionable information, noting that community cooperation remains a critical factor in achieving lasting peace and stability nationwide. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
