By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have dealt a heavy blow to notorious terrorist kingpins linked to Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu, dismantling their operational base in a daring forest assault under Operation IGBO IDANU I.
The high-impact operation, personally led by the Commander 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, targeted a well-fortified enclave believed to serve as a logistics and coordination hub for the criminal network. Military sources disclosed that the troops advanced through dense forest, treacherous marshlands and multiple riverine crossings to reach the terrorists’ hideout.
In a tactical move to achieve surprise, the soldiers dismounted and advanced on foot, closing in on the camp from multiple approaches. The manoeuvre overwhelmed the terrorists, who fled upon sighting the advancing troops.
Although the kingpins escaped during the encounter, their operational base was completely overrun. A thorough exploitation of the camp led to the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, including eight boxes of 7.62 x 54mm linked ammunition—each containing 250 rounds—and a box of high-velocity grenades.
Security officials said the seizure has severely crippled the group’s fighting capacity and disrupted its supply chain.
Following the clearance, troops destroyed and set the camp ablaze to prevent reoccupation. Sustained patrols and follow-up offensives are ongoing to track down fleeing elements and eliminate remaining threats within the area.
Military authorities described the operation as a decisive strategic strike against the network, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s determination to neutralise terrorist leaders, dismantle their infrastructure and restore security to affected communities.
The latest success is seen as part of intensified efforts to deny criminal kingpins safe havens and reinforce stability across the region.
