Army Unleashes Fierce Onslaught: 17 Terrorists Killed, 85 Arrested, 10 Kidnap Victims Freed in 48 Hours of Nationwide Raids

In a series of coordinated operations across the country within the past 48 hours, troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 17 terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims.

A reliable source at the Army Headquarters confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations were carried out across multiple theatres nationwide. The arrested suspects include Boko Haram informants, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators, drug peddlers, and kidnappers. The rescued victims have been safely evacuated for profiling and medical assessment.

In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive counter-terrorism actions as part of Operations Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search, engaging Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Borno and Adamawa States. Troops of the 202 and 222 Battalions repelled an ambush around Goni Kurmi and Kashomri villages in Konduga Local Government Area, killing several terrorists. Additionally, operatives of the 195 Battalion, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a notorious Boko Haram informant and ransom collector at the Customs IDP Camp in Jere. The suspect was tracked through monitored communications and financial transactions.

The troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle previously stolen by terrorists, rescued two kidnap victims, and arrested three major logistics suppliers transporting food and materials to ISWAP hideouts in Alagarno. In Adamawa, the 144 Battalion intercepted seven vehicles and nine motorcycles loaded with 368 bags of cement suspected to be destined for terrorist enclaves in Madagali. Troops further foiled infiltration attempts in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area, with air support from the Nigerian Air Force.

In Sokoto, 69 suspected drug peddlers were arrested in raids across communities in Sokoto South, while five terrorist collaborators were captured in Gudu. Other units recovered ₦4.77 million in cash, six mobile phones, and two bicycles abandoned by fleeing insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road.

In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted clearance operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States. They rescued a civilian injured during a terrorist attack along the Faru–Bagabbuzi Road in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara.

In the North Central region, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued one kidnapped victim in Dorowa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau. Another operation in Rawaya Village, Gashish District, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a revolver pistol, six magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition. Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also arrested two suspected kidnappers in Idadu Town, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa, and destroyed a terrorist camp at Gbagir in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue, where they seized mobile phones and customized vehicle plates.

In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified the clampdown on oil thieves. In Omoku, Rivers State, they intercepted a wooden boat laden with 840 litres of illegally refined kerosene and arrested one suspect. Another patrol in Ughelli North, Delta State, seized a vehicle carrying 2,500 litres of illegal condensate.

Across all theatres, troops recovered 15 assorted weapons, 21 magazines, over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, cash, and various logistics materials.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining operational momentum and denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action across the country. The source commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, noting that morale remains high across all formations and units.