Troops Record Key Wins In Nationwide Strike Against Terrorists

In a renewed offensive across multiple theatres of operation, Nigerian Army troops have recorded remarkable operational successes, neutralizing terrorists, recovering a large cache of deadly arms and ammunition, arresting 88 suspects and rescuing several kidnapped victims in coordinated operations between 16 and 19 October 2025.

In the North Central, troops of Sector 2 Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) conducted a precision raid on the hideout of a notorious insurgent leader, Alhaji Muhammad Sule (aka MP), in Rawaya Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, four AK-47 magazines, two G3 magazines, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition among other sundry items. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing insurgents.

Similarly, troops of 19 Brigade in Cross Kauwa, Borno State, foiled infiltration attempts by ISWAP/JAS terrorists from the Alagarno and Mallum Karamti axis. The troops’ superior firepower forced the terrorists to withdraw, abandoning a bag containing 95 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. In another operation, troops of 145 Battalion recovered an AK-47 rifle earlier carted away from a Civilian JTF member after repelling a terrorist attack in Damasak.

In the same theatre, troops of 195 Battalion in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a notorious ISWAP informant and ransom collector following intelligence tracking of his communications and financial transactions. Additionally, troops of 19 Brigade and 123 Special Forces Battalion arrested two ISWAP logistics suppliers at Dowoshi in Kukawa Local Government Area with food items and two extra bags of sundry supplies meant for terrorist elements. At Molai in Borno State, troops recovered two bicycles, two solar-powered lamps, six mobile phones with chargers and the sum of Four Million Seven Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira abandoned by fleeing terrorists along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road.

In the North West, troops of 3 Brigade in Kano State and 4 Brigade in Edo State responded swiftly to distress calls, rescuing a total of 14 kidnap victims from criminal elements in separate operations. Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and OPEP arrested multiple kidnap and cattle rustling suspects in Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau States while others were apprehended for impersonation and terrorist collaboration. In Kaduna State, a combined team of 312 Artillery Regiment and the Defence Special Operations Force engaged terrorists at Kajuru, recovering one Submachine Gun with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition and rescuing a kidnapped victim abandoned by his abductors during a pursuit.

In Sokoto State, troops of 8 Division Garrison arrested 69 suspected drug peddlers with various illicit drugs and handed them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution. In a separate operation, troops arrested five suspected terrorist collaborators and recovered one motorcycle, one mobile phone and other exhibits. Troops of 143 Battalion in Abia State also conducted an offensive operation at Umudi Forest in Umunneochi Local Government Area, destroying an IPOB/ESN criminal hideout and arresting two suspected criminals. Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue State destroyed an insurgents’ enclave at Gbagir, recovering one mobile phone, two customized vehicle plate numbers, one motorcycle and other sundry items.

In the South-South, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State intercepted a vehicle conveying ten drums of illegally refined white condensate estimated at 2,500 litres around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North Local Government Area. Likewise, troops of 343 Artillery Regiment in Rivers State impounded a wooden boat loaded with 840 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene and arrested one suspect.

Overall, the operations led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and explosive materials, including:

• 4 Rifles (2 AK-47, 1 G3, 1 SMG)
• 1 Revolver pistol
• 4 AK-47 magazines and 2 G3 magazines
• 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm Special and 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
• 95 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition
• 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition
• 2 bicycles, 9 motorcycles, and 7 vehicles
• 6 mobile phones with chargers, 2 solar lamps, ₦4,770,000 cash
• 10 drums of refined condensate (approx. 2,500 litres)
• 840 litres of illegally refined DPK
• 368 bags of cement and multiple bags of food items
• Assorted illicit drugs and sundry logistics items

The Nigerian is committed to decisively eliminate all criminal enclaves across the country and rapidly boost economic and commercial activities. The public is urged to relentlessly support this efforts by reporting any suspicious movement to the security agencies.