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Tag: troops

  • Troops nab soldier, police personnel smuggling arms to terrorists

    Troops nab soldier, police personnel smuggling arms to terrorists

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended a serving soldier and a police officer for alleged involvement in smuggling arms and logistics to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the North East.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspects were apprehended between Sept. 26 and Sept. 28 in intelligence led operations.

    The source said the troops on internal security operations, had on Sept. 26, intercepted suspicious movement of military-grade ammunition along a known terror supply route in Borno.

    He said the surveillance led to a sting operation on Sept. 27, during which the suspects were caught with rifles, ammunition and communication devices.

    He added that the preliminary investigation confirmed their alleged links to a wider supply network now under close watch.

    According to him, the duo are in military custody for interrogation and will face disciplinary measures before being handed over for prosecution.

    Read Also: Troops seize rocket bombs, arms, drugs in major blow to terrorists in Borno

    The source said the arrests marked a decisive step in dismantling insider collusion and disrupting terror logistics chains.

    He stressed army’s determination to rid the service of bad eggs and sustain public confidence in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

    The source added that troops also apprehended a suspected Boko Haram collaborator,  in Baga area of Borno.

    He said the troops intercepted three motorcycles ferrying 32 Jerry cans of petrol at Kasuwan Dere, Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    In the North West, the source said the troops of 17 Brigade nabbed a suspected terrorist logistics supplier and an informant in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina.

    According to him, preliminary investigation linked the suspects to an arms dealer with ties to an operative codenamed Babaru.

    “Another suspect escaped after scaling a fence as troops closed in, while several kidnap victims were rescued in other theatres,” he said.

    (NAN) 

  • Troops rescue two kidnapped Immigration officers in Benue

    Troops rescue two kidnapped Immigration officers in Benue

    Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

    This is contained in a statement by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, OPWS headquarters, on Saturday  and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

    Zubairu said the operation was carried out on Friday, following credible intelligence from “appropriate superior authorities” regarding the abduction of David Iorwuese and Oliver Orasuur.

    He said a coordinated search and rescue mission was launched in Tse Tembe and Adamawa Village, located within the Azendeshi Council Ward of Ukum LGA where they were rescued.

    Read Also: Troops crush terrorist networks in Borno, seize weapons, bomb-making materials

    “The operation, executed with precision and speed, led to the successful recovery of the two victims at Adamawa Village after the kidnappers fled.

    “The rescued officers are currently in safe custody of the troops receiving preliminary medical attention and debriefing,” the statement stated

    The Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.- Gen Moses Gara commended the gallant troops for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.

    He said the success of the mission underscored the determination of OPWS to respond swiftly to distress calls, safeguard citizens, and sustain efforts in protecting farmers to enhance food security in Benue and adjoining states.

    He urged communities to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies,  adding that collaboration between the security forces and local residents remained vital in curbing criminality.

    (NAN)

  • Troops arrest 147 terrorist, rescue 39 kidnap victims in one week – DHQ

    Troops arrest 147 terrorist, rescue 39 kidnap victims in one week – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said that troops’ operations nationwide over the past week have resulted in the arrest of 147 suspected terrorists and other criminals, and the rescue of 39 kidnap victims.

    Speaking through the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, at a press briefing, on Thursday, the military high command stated that troops foiled oil theft worth N19,750,000.00

    According to Maj.-Gen. Kangye,between September 15 to 22, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East arrested 26 terrorists collaborators and rescued three kidnap victims.

    He said logistics items, comprising large quantities of fabrics, vehicles, motorcycles and improvised explosive device (IED) marking materials, were recovered from terrorists.

    Read Also: Troops eliminate terrorists, nab 20 suspects in nationwide operations – Army

    Kangye said troops also intensified their onslaughts against terrorists in North Central, rescuing 16 kidnap victims, and arresting 80 terrorists and two leaders, Abubakar Ahmadu, in Paiko Local Government Area of Niger State, and Saawuan Wuaiyolna, a member of notorious syndicate who is on the military’s wanted list.

    In the South South region, he said the troops also arrested 19 suspected oil thieves and nine other criminals, and rescued nine kidnap victims.

    “Troops also discovered and destroyed 16 illegal refining sites, 14 crude oil cooking ovens, seven dugout pits, 11 boats and eight storage tanks,” Maj.-Gen Kangye, 

  • Troops neutralise 2 terrorists, arrest 32, rescue 13 victims – Army

    Troops neutralise 2 terrorists, arrest 32, rescue 13 victims – Army

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two terrorists, apprehended 32 suspects and rescued 13 kidnapped victims in major operations in the last 24 hours across the country.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the operations were carried out in the North East, North Central, North West, South East and South-South.

    In the North East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested three suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe.

    He added that one terrorist was neutralised in an ambush in Konduga, while another suspect was apprehended in Garkida, Adamawa, for involvement in earlier attacks.

    In Benue, the source said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised one extremist in Katsina-Ala and rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Ukum after a gun battle.

    In the North West, he said the troops foiled kidnap attempts in Zamfara, rescuing three victims in Anka.

    Read Also: Troops eliminate terrorists, nab 20 suspects in nationwide operations – Army

    According to him, seven suspects, including a kidnap kingpin in Kaduna and three in Niger, were arrested.

    “In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended two suspected cultists with a pistol in Imo and recovered an improvised explosive device in Anambra.

    “In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 20 suspects for illegal bunkering, drug trafficking and kidnapping.

    “They also discovered more than 1,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States,” he said.

    The source urged Nigerians to continue to support security agencies with timely information to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations.

    (NAN)

  • Troops eliminate terrorists, nab 20 suspects in nationwide operations – Army

    Troops eliminate terrorists, nab 20 suspects in nationwide operations – Army

    Troops have intensified operations nationwide, killing scores of terrorists, nabbed 20 suspects and rescued kidnap victims in the last 24 hours across theatres.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, motorcycles and stolen petroleum products.

    He said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled ISWAP/JAS attacks in Banki, Damboa and Biu areas of Borno and killed several of their fighters.

    He added that 36 hand grenades, five RPG bombs, 700 rounds of ammunition, uniforms and logistics were captured.

    According to him, troops also intercepted 32 bicycles and a truckload of NPK fertilizer suspected for terrorist use.

    In the North Central, the source said the troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued a kidnapped girl in Manchok, Kaduna State, while troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued another victim in Benue, recovering weapons and ammunition.

    Read Also: Troops arrest 17 suspected oil thieves, recover 45,000 litres of stolen products

    “Elsewhere, troops arrested kidnappers and armed robbers in Sokoto, Taraba, Kebbi and Plateau states, while in Cross River, a suspected cultist was caught with a roasted human leg.

    “Troops also destroyed illegal oil sites in Rivers and bunkering facilities in Cross River.

    “In all, the operations conducted between Sept. 19 and 22 led to the recovery of 10 AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, five RPG bombs, 36 hand grenades, 39 motorcycles, 32 bicycles, explosives, chemicals and vehicles,” he said.

    The army source said the tempo of operations would be sustained to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action while boosting food security in line with the Federal Government’s agenda.

    (NAN)

  • Troops kill 3 terrorist commanders, 16 others – Army

    Troops kill 3 terrorist commanders, 16 others – Army

    The Nigerian Army says troops have killed three terrorist commanders alongside 16 other fighters in recent encounters in the North East and other theatres of operations.

    A source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the terror commanders were identified as Modu Dogo (Munzir of Dogon Chukun), another unidentified Munzir, and Abu Aisha Qaid of Tumbun Mota.

    The source said that troops also apprehended 26 suspects, rescued victims, and recovered 109 rustled cattle, weapons and other logistics items.

    He said the terrorists’ commanders were killed during clashes in Borno and Adamawa States after intense engagements.

    According to him, troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an anti-aircraft link, 14 motorcycles, seven blankets and a mobile phone after the encounters.

    The source said a terrorist informant and logistics supplier, who had secretly aided terrorists for more than four years, was arrested around Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

    In the North West, he said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued two kidnapped victims during operations in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    He added that troops also carried out patrols in Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi States, recovering cash, phones and other items, while disrupting terrorist movements and preventing further attacks on rural communities.

    “In the North Central, troops of Operation MESA arrested a suspected kidnapper in Yagba Local Government Area of Kogi.

    “The suspect was neutralized while attempting to escape from custody,” he said.

    The source added that troops ambushed kidnappers along Okehi–Kabba forest axis, killing two terrorists while others escaped with injuries.

    He added that troops neutralised a violent extremist identified as a spiritualist in Lokoja

    The military source also revealed that troops of Operation Ensuring Peace eliminated insurgents in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau, following the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler in the area.

    “In Kanam Local Government Area, troops intercepted criminals who rustled109 cattle.

    “The extremists fled, abandoning the livestock, which were recovered and returned to the rightful owner,” he added.

    He said the troops Operation Whirl Stroke eliminated two insurgents and armed robbers as well as recovered weapons in Benue and Taraba States.

    In the South East, the source said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended a high-profile IPOB/ESN criminal, Akachukwu Alaka, also known as Akanna.

    He said the suspect was nabbed during a sting operation in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra on Monday.

    According to him, troops also raided the hideout of another notorious IPOB/ESN leader, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo, in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.

    The source said the criminals fled before troops arrived but recovered a pistol, 145 rounds of ammunition, six phones, police and army uniforms, and a Biafran insignia.

    “Further exploitation uncovered a criminal workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for sale.

    “Troops destroyed the facility and burnt10 motorcycles used by the criminals in various attacks.

    “Troops also neutralized two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by IPOB/ESN elements in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo.

    Read Also: Troops kill three terrorists, capture IPOB Commander Gentle de Yahoo

    “The devices were destroyed without any casualties recorded.

    In the South South, the source said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with NDLEA, arrested 21 drug suspects in Bayelsa.

    He said that large quantities of illicit substances were seized in the raid.

    According to him, troops further uncovered illegal refineries in Rivers, apprehended two suspected bunker operators, killed one other, and destroyed several dugout pits containing refined petroleum products in line with directives.

    According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, and urged them to sustain operational momentum until terrorism and criminality are defeated.

    (NAN)

  • Troops neutralise eight ISWAP terrorists, recover motorcycles in Borno

    Troops neutralise eight ISWAP terrorists, recover motorcycles in Borno

     The Nigerian Army says troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised eight Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno.

    A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday following an ambush on troops near Garin Giwa along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route (MSR).

    According to the source, the terrorists, who attempted to disrupt military activities in the axis, met stiff resistance from the troops.

    He said eight ISWAP fighters were killed during the encounter, including two Munzirs and one Qaid.

    “The identified fighters include Modu Dogo Munzir of Dogon Chukun, another unidentified Munzir, and Abu Aisha Qaid of Tumbun Mota.

    Read Also: Kogi troops survive bandits’ ambush, kill leader

    “Several others sustained gunshot wounds, particularly those who fled on foot, abandoning 14 motorcycles which were recovered by troops,” he said.

    The source added that the recovery of the motorcycles had further degraded the logistics and mobility of the insurgents in the region.

    He said the Theatre Command remained resolute in its determination to rid the North East of terrorism and restore peace to affected communities, while the military high command had commended  troops for the feat.

    (NAN)

  • Troops nab IPOB/ESN commander, rescue 12 kidnap victims

    Troops nab IPOB/ESN commander, rescue 12 kidnap victims

     The Nigerian Army troops have apprehended a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, rescued 12 kidnap victims, neutralised terrorists in a series of coordinated operations across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operations were conducted in synergy with sister services and other security agencies.

    According to the source, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation, apprehended a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.

    He said the operation led to the recovery of one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag.

    The source added that troops also uncovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.

    Read Also: Troops nab IPOB/ESN commander, rescue 12 kidnap victims

    On anti-kidnap operations, he said that five kidnapped persons were rescued in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    According to him, another five were rescued in Kukasheka Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, and two others in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi.

    He further disclosed that troops neutralised two terrorists in separate encounters in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle.

    The source added that one violent extremist was neutralised in Benue, with a mobile phone and charms recovered.

    “Troops also arrested 11 suspects across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States for offences ranging from armed robbery and gun-running to violent extremist activities.

    “Additionally, 40 rustled cattles were recovered in Plateau and returned to their rightful owners,” he said.

    The source emphasised that the operational breakthroughs were achieved through sustained collaboration between the Nigerian army, sister services, and other security agencies.

    He added that the army remained committed to creating a safe environment to boost agriculture and socio-economic development in line with the Federal Government’s food security drive.

    (NAN) 

  • Kogi troops survive bandits’ ambush, kill leader

    Kogi troops survive bandits’ ambush, kill leader

    • Recover 31 phones, blood pressure machine, others

    Troops of the Nigerian Army 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have fought through an ambush during which they killed a bandits’ leader, Babangida Kachala around Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede General Area of the state.

    Babangida Kachala was described as a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a bandit group operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.

    The troops also recovered one fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and the sum of ₦16,000 in the operation.

    According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops in Operation ACCORD III, in conjunction with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), killed the bandits’ leader in the operation which took place on Thursday (11, September, 2025).

    Abdullahi provided insight on circumstances leading to the killing of the bandits’ leader thus: “Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under Operation ACCORD III, in conjunction with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have recorded another major breakthrough in ongoing operations to rid Kogi State of banditry and other criminal activities.

    “On 11 September 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede General Area, the combined troops laid an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point. Although initial contact was not made, the troops, while withdrawing to base, ran into an ambush staged by the criminals along their route.

    “In the ensuing firefight, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralising one of the criminals. The troops thereafter exploited the area, during which they recovered one fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and the sum of ₦16,000 cash. Bloodstains observed at the scene further suggested that several other bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.

    Read Also: Troops rescue 17 kidnap victims in Kogi

    “Subsequent intelligence confirmed that among those who fled with gunshot wounds was Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a bandit group operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State. He was later confirmed dead.

    “Troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate the area of responsibility with patrols and ambushes aimed at totally decimating bandits and other criminal elements within the boundaries of Kogi State. The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as they sustain unrelenting pressure on the criminals.”

    Abdullahi stressed that  the Nigerian Army has reassured  Kogi State residents  of its determination to restore lasting peace and security, while encouraging citizens to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

  • Troops kill terrorists, arrested suspects with N8.7m

    Troops kill terrorists, arrested suspects with N8.7m

    • 17 kidnap victims rescued in Kogi

    Troops have killed several terrorists and arrested three suspects with N8.7 million in ransom during ongoing operations in the Northwest, Northeast, and Northcentral regions.

    The operations carried out between September 8 and 10 also led to the arrest of criminal suspects, the recovery of weapons, and destruction of five illegal refineries in the Southsouth.

    Also, security operatives have rescued 17 passengers kidnapped by gunmen in Kogi State. The passengers, victims, including 13 adults and four children, were on a commercial bus when they were kidnapped at Apamaro in Adavi Local Government.

    Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement said they were rescued by the Army and hunters.

    He said the passengers had been taken to health facilities for attention.

    A source at Army Headquarters told The Nation yesterday that on September 9, troops from Forward Operating Base Malumfashi, in collaboration with police and vigilantes, engaged the terrorists who had attacked Na’lma Special Hunters Camp in Katsina State, killing one and recovering an AK-47 rifle with 21 rounds of ammunition.

    Read Also: Troops arrest 2 suspected cattle rustlers, recover arms in Plateau

    “Similarly, on the same day, troops of 144 Battalion on offensive operations along Takaskala–Gwoza road in Borno State engaged ISWAP/JAS terrorists, forcing them to retreat in disarray and capturing an AK-47 rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition.”

    “Furthermore, on 8 September, troops of 1 Brigade at a checkpoint in Zamfara State intercepted three suspects conveying N8.7 million ranson meant for release of abducted relatives.

    “The suspects and the money were handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation,” it was learnt.

    According to the military source, troops from 8 Division foiled a kidnap attempt near Tasha Bagaruwa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, rescuing three abducted farmers after a gunfight with terrorists. While troops of Forward Operating Base Sanga apprehended a suspected kidnappers’ informant linked to several abductions in Nasarawa and neighbouring states.

    In the Northcentral, the soldiers arresting a suspected militia in connection with the September 4 Barkin Ladi reprisal attack in Plateau State while in Lagos State, troops of 65 Battalion nabbed an impostor posing as a soldier at Ebute-Metta, recovering incriminating evidence from his phone.