In a decisive operation against insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have neutralized 10 Boko Haram fighters and apprehended a key terrorist collaborator notorious for extorting ransom payments on behalf of insurgents and bandits. The operation also led to the recovery of a cache of automatic firearms.

On February 17, 2025, troops launched a high-impact raid deep inside Iza Forest, a known terrorist stronghold in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, 10 Boko Haram fighters were eliminated, while others fled. A mop-up operation in the area resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and two magazines loaded with ammunition.

In a separate operation, troops deployed in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State staged a well-coordinated ambush at a known bandit crossing in Tunfa village.

The ambush led to the neutralization of one terrorist and the capture of a high-value suspect responsible for facilitating ransom payments for the notorious Sani Black terrorist faction.

Acting on the suspect’s confession, troops stormed the bandits’ hideout in Tunga village, a criminal hub for trading rustled cattle. Several suspects were arrested, and the bandits’ infrastructure in the area was completely destroyed.

Further intensifying counterterrorism efforts, troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended a suspected terrorist at Illela Market in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Commending the troops for their resilience and operational success, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.

He urged citizens to support security forces by providing credible information to aid the fight against insurgency.