By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes in the renewed fight against insurgency and criminality, arresting over 20 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements in coordinated nationwide operations within the last 24 hours.
Nigerian Army sources said the arrests followed intelligence-led offensives carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups. The operations targeted terrorist enclaves, kidnapping syndicates, and organised criminal networks across multiple states.
In Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade, working alongside the Nigerian Police and vigilantes, conducted operations in Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu villages, leading to the arrest of two suspected terrorists.
Items recovered include two motorcycles and chainsaw machines.
Similarly, in Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, apprehended a suspected terrorist at Afaka. The suspect reportedly confessed to fleeing a terrorist camp following internal clashes among its leadership.
In Sokoto State, troops of COAS Intervention Battalion VII, in conjunction with 8 Division Nigerian Army Stalkers, cleared several villages in Tangaza Local Government Area, destroyed a terrorist camp, and recovered camouflage materials.
The report also highlighted the cross-border dimension of criminal activity, noting that troops rescued a Nigerien national who had been held captive for over three weeks.
Further operations led to the safe disposal of an improvised explosive device (IED), the arrest of five additional suspects, and the destruction of terrorist camps and illegal mining sites.
Meanwhile, troops recorded significant successes in rescue operations across the country. In Kwara State, swift response to a distress call forced terrorists to abandon three kidnapped victims.
In Edo State, troops rescued multiple victims, arrested five suspected kidnappers, and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and mobile phones. Additional operations also led to the rescue of two kidnapped farmers.
In Delta State, troops arrested a suspected IPOB member at Umunede junction.
In the South-South region, troops intensified operations against criminal networks. In Akwa Ibom State, troops of 2 Brigade raided drug peddlers’ hideouts, arresting six suspects and recovering large quantities of illicit substances, including cannabis, methamphetamine, and codeine, as well as cash.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered and dismantled illegal oil bunkering infrastructure, recovering pipes, hoses, refining equipment, and petroleum products.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested nine suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, and communication devices.
Similarly, in Abia State, troops discovered sacks of suspected stolen crude oil concealed along the Imo River axis, in line with ongoing anti-crude theft operations.
The Nigerian Army reassured the public of its continued resolve to decisively defeat all forms of criminality and urged citizens to sustain their support by providing credible information to security agencies.
Security analysts say the latest operations underscore the military’s intensified momentum in dismantling criminal networks and restoring stability across the country.
