The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide operations, achieving significant gains between September 1 and 6, 2025. The operations led to the neutralisation of four terrorists, the arrest of 64 criminal suspects, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of weapons and logistics.

In the North East, troops of the 117 Task Force Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilantes, engaged terrorists at Yimurmuze in Chibok Local Council of Borno State. They neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 24 rounds of ammunition.

Similarly, troops from the 159 Battalion in Geidam, Yobe State, neutralised another terrorist and seized an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and additional ammunition. In Askira Uba, Adamawa State, the 115 Task Force Battalion arrested eight suspected cattle rustlers and recovered a Dane gun, cartridges, knives, bows and arrows, and mobile phones. Troops also discovered improvised explosive devices in New Marte, further disrupting terrorist activities.

In the North-West, a joint operation by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma and ground troops targeted terrorist hideouts at Zango, Katsina State. Intercepted communications confirmed the killing of up to 15 terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds. In Sokoto State, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion arrested two terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Gudu Local Council.

In the North Central region, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised one armed herder during a firefight in Logo Local Council of Benue State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. In Niger State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered 28 rustled cows during air and ground operations in Mariga Local Council.

In Kaduna State, 19 suspects were arrested during raid operations in Unguwan Dosa, Rigasa, Mando, Tudun Wada, and other areas. In Rivers State, troops uncovered 35 sacks of illegally refined products, totalling about 1,750 litres, and arrested one suspect despite resistance from suspected bunkerers. In Delta State, soldiers working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested three drug peddlers in Sapele and seized cocaine, tramadol, and other illicit substances. In Oshimili South Local Council, troops also arrested two suspected IPOB/ESN members linked to improvised explosive device production.

Operations in Lagos, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory resulted in the arrest of armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and other criminals, with troops recovering firearms, ammunition, and illicit substances. Between September 4 and 6, troops neutralised two terrorists, arrested seven criminals—including a female logistics supplier—and recovered two AK-47 rifles, a stolen vehicle, petroleum products, and other items.

On September 6, troops from the 192 Battalion, with Hybrid Force, engaged Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)/JAS terrorists around Kwatara Kasa Village along the Gwoza–Limankara Road in Borno State, neutralising one terrorist while others fled towards the Mandara Mountains.

In Adamawa State, troops from the 232 Battalion intercepted two suspected petroleum smugglers in Mubi South Local Council with 19 jerrycans of petroleum products loaded on motorcycles. In Zamfara State, acting on a tip-off and working with the Department of State Services (DSS), 1 Brigade troops arrested a female logistics supplier linked to notorious terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero at Kucheri in Tsafe Local Council. The suspect, who admitted to also being a drug peddler, was found in possession of a mobile phone, N37,000 cash, and other items.

In the Federal Capital Territory, troops of the 176 Guards Battalion mounted a snap roadblock to intercept a stolen vehicle from Osun State. The suspects fled but were later tracked down to a hotel in Gwagwalada, where three of them were arrested. Troops recovered the stolen vehicle, 11 mobile phones, and N29,700 cash before handing the suspects and exhibits over to the police.

In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace secured a breakthrough following the arrest of a terrorist informant at Dadin Kowa on September 4. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the location of hidden weapons in Mista Ali Village, Bassa Local Council. He attempted to escape while leading troops to the cache and was neutralised. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the hideout, while efforts are ongoing to track his accomplices.

According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, the operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s determination to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt criminal activities, and recover illicit arms nationwide.

She reiterated the Army’s commitment to creating a safer environment that will boost agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.