Troops Kill IPOB Commander ‘Alhaji’, 26 Others, Arrest 22 Suspects

Troops of the Nigerian Army have, in coordinated operations, neutralised a top Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) commander identified as ‘Alhaji’, 26 other terrorists and arrested 22 suspects.

A statement by the Nigerian Army on its social media handle explained that the troops rescued five kidnap victims and recovered arms and ammunition between 8-11 October 2025.

In the South East, Sector 2 Operation UDO KA troops tracked and neutralised a wanted IPOB/ESN Commander identified as Alhaji at his hideout in Ezza-Eyimaggu, Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State.

The statement said Alhaji, who attempted to disarm a soldier during his arrest, was eliminated after a brief scuffle.

Similarly, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade on patrol in Mbaotoli LGA, Imo State, discovered and destroyed an IPOB/ESN shrine used for criminal indoctrination.

In the North East, the statement said troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, killed four terrorists during gunfight along Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna Road in Borno State.

The troops subsequently rescued two civilians along with over 4.3 million and two new mobile phones that had been seized by the terrorists earlier.

Relatedly, troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri neutralised five terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a dagger.

Still in the North East, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists surrendered to troops of 242 Recce Battalion in Monguno after fleeing their enclaves around the Timbuktu Triangle, citing disillusionment and fatigue.

In the North West, intelligence-led air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at Gebe Primary School in Isa LGA, Sokoto State, decimated several terrorists and their leaders.

In particular, troops of 8 Division Garrison and local vigilantes intercepted logistics couriers transporting hard drugs and motorcycle spare parts from Lagos to Zamfara State.

The Army said the suspects were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

Similarly, troops of 1 Brigade responded to distress calls in Anka LGA, Zamfara State, where they rescued abducted victims and neutralised armed terrorists during a pursuit operation.

In the North Central region, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke successfully raided hideouts in Nasarawa and Benue states, where they arrested several kidnap suspects, rescued victims and recovered arms, charms and other exhibits.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State,  troops of Operation Enduring Peace foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Barkin Ladi and arrested five drug peddlers in Bassa LGA.

In the South-South, troops of Sector 3 Operation DELTA SAFE engaged cultists in Rivers State, neutralised two and arrested one suspect.

The troops recovered rifles, magazines, ammunition, motorcycles and military accoutrements.

In Edo State, troops of 4 Brigade rescued a kidnapped victim in Esan South East LGA and recovered the victim’s vehicle.

“Across all theatres of operation, troops rescued a total of five kidnapped victims, neutralized 26 terrorists and criminal elements and arrested 22 suspects for various offences including terrorism, banditry, drug trafficking and cultism,” it said .

Recovered items include several AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, charms and locally made weapons.