Troops Kill 4 Terrorists, Arrest 53 Suspected Criminals

The Nigerian Army (NA) says its troops on internal security between 10-13 October 2025 neutralised four terrorists, rescued nine hostages and arrested 53 suspects, including collaborators, illegal miners and drug kingpins.

A statement by the Nigerian Army on its social media handle said troops of 26 Task Force Brigade in the North East at Gwoza Wakane in Borno State arrested two suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist logistics suppliers in possession of 52 mat yards. At the same time, 156 Task Force Battalion apprehended a terrorist spy at Mainok in Kaga LGA.

Similarly, troops of 1 Battalion (Rear) in collaboration with NSCDC personnel arrested a terrorist collaborator at Augie, Kebbi State, recovered a motorcycle and mobile phone.

In the North Central region, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), acting on credible intelligence, raided criminal hideouts at Angwan Kuje, Keana LGA of Nasarawa State and arrested three suspected kidnappers.

Also, troops at Awe LGA recovered a motorcycle following an exchange of fire with fleeing kidnappers.

Similarly, the 177 Guards Battalion discovered an illegal mining site behind Gurku Hill in Karu LGA, arrested nine suspects who were handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation.

In the South East, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo State killed one IPOB/ESN criminal. They arrested two others during a raid on their hideout in Mbaïtoli LGA, recovered ammunition, mobile phones, charms and illicit substances.

Relatedly, troops of 143 Battalion apprehended an IPOB/ESN logistics supplier linked to a notorious leader at Lokpaukwu, Umunneochi LGA, Abia State, seized radios, gunpowder and other incriminating items.

Furthermore, troops of the 14 Field Engineer Regiment in Anambra State also disrupted IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba South LGA, where they recovered a locally made pistol, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, walkie-talkies and other items after the criminals detonated an IED and fled.

In another operation, troops of 1 Brigade recovered 18 rustled cattle in Bukkuyum LGA, Zamfara State, which were subsequently handed over to local authorities.

In the same vein, troops of 12 Brigade in Kwara State intercepted nine kidnapped victims along Egbe–Okoloke–Pategi Road, who were freed following sustained troop pressure on the abductors.

In the South-South region, 16 Brigade and 29 Battalion troops in Rivers and Abia States discovered and destroyed multiple illegal refining sites containing over 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.

Troops also intensified anti-drug operations in collaboration with the NDLEA, arresting 15 suspects in separate raids in Edo and Lagos States, destroying cannabis farms and handing over all recovered items to relevant agencies.

“In total, the operations led to the neutralisation of four terrorists, arrest of over 45 criminal suspects, rescue of nine kidnapped victims, and the recovery of multiple firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and other logistics supplies,” it said.