The Nigerian Army has dealt a decisive blow to criminal and terrorist networks across the country, neutralizing eight terrorists, arresting 51 suspects, rescuing 27 victims, and recovering a significant cache of weapons and illicit items between 29 November and 1 December 2025.
In the North East, troops of the 151, 152, and 192 Task Force Battalions in Borno State successfully neutralized four ISWAP/JAS terrorists during ambush and clearance operations. The troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, multiple magazines with over 250 rounds of ammunition, a Baofeng radio, and an AK-47 working part. While no victims were rescued in Borno, the operations effectively thwarted infiltration attempts around Chibok.
In the North Central and North West, under Operation WHIRL STROKE and Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops rescued 20 victims across Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States. The rescued included adults and minors in locations such as Panyam, Zaki-Biam, Tsanyawa/Kankia, Yagba West, Odo Eri, Sanga LGA, and Isoko North.
During these operations, security forces arrested 51 suspects, including kidnappers, human traffickers, extremist collaborators, illegal miners, cultists, and gunrunners. Notable arrests include 25 drug suspects in Bayelsa and Rivers, and notorious gunrunner Shuaibu Isah (aka Alhaji), who was attempting to receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
In Taraba State, troops neutralized four violent extremists and recovered one fabricated AK-47, three Dane guns, 25 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two motorcycles during a communal clash response in Karim Lamido. Delta State operations recovered a locally made pistol, cartridges, and mobile phones while arresting two suspected cultists. Security forces in Plateau also recovered 76 rustled cattle, returning them to their rightful owners.
In the South-South, anti-oil theft operations led to the shutdown of an illegal refining site containing about 1,000 litres of stolen crude, while joint raids with the NDLEA resulted in the arrest of 25 drug-related suspects. In Kaduna State, troops intercepted vehicles transporting 5,000kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000m of cordtex fuse, 10 electric detonators, and 1,000m of connecting wire, with investigations ongoing.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding communities, and ensuring that terrorists, criminals, and their collaborators have no safe haven across the nation.
