Nigerian Army Crushes Terror Enclaves, Arrests 20 Suspects Across North-East, North-West, North-Central
By Brown Chimezie,
The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide offensive against terrorism and criminality, recording major operational successes across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
In a series of high-intensity operations conducted within the last 24 hours, troops arrested 20 high-profile suspects, recovered an AK-47 rifle with specialised ammunition, and rescued nine kidnapped victims, in what military authorities described as a decisive blow against criminal and terrorist networks.
The Army said the coordinated operations have significantly disrupted terrorist logistics chains and denied criminal elements freedom of movement across the affected theatres.
North-East Operations
In the North-East, elite troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a precision cordon-and-search operation at Ngurosoye Village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects, including individuals reportedly linked to the notorious kidnapper, Baba Ali.
Troops also recovered significant logistics materials, including bags of fertiliser suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In a related operation, a combined force operating in Marte Local Government Area engaged insurgents and forced them to flee their hideouts, abandoning bicycles and other essential supplies during the encounter.
North-West Operations
In the North-West, troops of the 4 Demo Battalion and 2 Battalion recorded notable successes in Kaduna State, where they thwarted criminal activities linked to terrorists and cattle rustlers.
At Pan Daudu and Kuyello, troops intercepted fleeing criminals and successfully recovered 96 rustled cattle, forcing the suspects to abandon the livestock and flee under pressure.
In another operation at Lahin Dan Auta, troops engaged terrorists and successfully rescued three kidnapped victims, who have since been reunited with their families.
The operation, according to military sources, further underscored the Army’s growing capacity for rapid response and hostage rescue.
North-Central Operations
In the North-Central, troops of Sector 1,
Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), dealt a significant blow to human trafficking syndicates and armed gangs operating in Benue State.
A targeted raid in Gwer West Local Government Area led to the rescue of six victims and the arrest of a suspected trafficker.
Similarly, a combat patrol in Guma Local Government Area resulted in the arrest of three suspected terrorists.
Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, effectively neutralising what security sources described as a dangerous armed cell.
Army Reaffirms Commitment
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence.
Military authorities noted that the latest operations reflect the Army’s sustained resolve to dismantle terrorist enclaves, rescue victims, and restore peace in troubled communities.
