The Nigerian Army has sustained its operational onslaught against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across the country, recording significant successes between September 17 and 19, 2025.

One of the key breakthroughs was achieved by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), who arrested a high-profile member of the notorious criminal gang led by Akiki Utivi, popularly known as Full Fire.

The suspect, identified as Saauwan Wuaiyolna, was apprehended at Takum Junction in Wukari Local Council of Benue State while attempting to monitor troops’ activities in furtherance of his operations. A motorcycle and other exhibits were recovered from him.

In Enugu State, troops of 103 Battalion, working with the Nigerian Police and Neighbourhood Watch, arrested a wanted notorious suspect, Chukwuepre Gideon, in the Mmaku community of Awgu Local Council.

Confirming the development yesterday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said one motorcycle, one laptop, three unidentified flags, four empty cartridges, eight batteries, and inverter casings were recovered during the raid.

Counter-terrorism operations were also intensified in the North-East. In Damboa Local Council of Borno State, troops of 19 Battalion, supported by the Civilian JTF and other volunteers, engaged ISWAP/JAS terrorists, neutralising one and destroying their logistics structures. Two kidnapped victims were rescued.

In a related operation in Bama Local Council, five ISWAP/JAS family members, one woman and four children, surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion. Elsewhere in Konduga Local Council, troops of 222 Battalion ambushed and neutralised two terrorists following Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance.

In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Anka Local Council. In another patrol, three rustled camels were recovered from terrorists attempting to move livestock around the Bakura axis.

In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised two terrorists at Ankwa in Kachia Local Council, recovering two AK-47 rifles, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone.

Troops also dealt decisive blows to kidnappers across several locations. In Abuja, soldiers of Army Headquarters Garrison, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police Anti-Kidnap Squad, neutralised three kidnappers at Kurudu High Ground, rescued one victim, and seized two AK-47 rifles with ammunition.

Similarly, in Delta State, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Ika North Local Council, recovering one AK-47 rifle, magazines, and 42 rounds of ammunition.

In the South-East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade neutralised two IPOB/ESN criminals in Imo State during clearance operations. Items recovered included a locally fabricated gun, radios, IED-making materials, and Biafra insignia.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested 15 suspects responsible for burning huts in Qua’anpan Local Council. They were found in possession of 15 fabricated rifles, 105 cartridges, and other dangerous weapons.

On the anti-crude oil theft front, troops recorded multiple interceptions. In Imo State, they discovered over 6,500 litres of illegally refined products and dismantled cooking drums and receivers in Ohaji Egbema Local Council. Similarly, in Delta State, three suspected oil bunkerers were arrested in Ethiope East Local Council, with petroleum products, drums, and a tricycle seized.