The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, killing 11 terrorists, arresting 64 suspects, and dismantling criminal networks across multiple states.
A top military source told journalists on Friday that the latest offensive is part of efforts to degrade terrorist strongholds, curb banditry, and protect national assets.
In the Northeast, troops of 222 Battalion and 145 Battalion repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters at Alau Dam in Borno State, killing eight insurgents and recovering arms. Similarly, 192 Battalion intercepted terrorist logistics in Gwoza Local Government Area, while 144 Battalion apprehended three suspected logistics suppliers in Adamawa State.
In the Northwest, troops delivered heavy blows on bandits. 17 Brigade in Katsina State neutralised two terrorists at Malali Bridge, recovering a motorcycle, radio, and phones. In Zamfara, 1 Brigade killed one terrorist in Shinkafi and seized an AK-47 rifle, livestock, and other items.
Operations in Sokoto and Zamfara also led to the recovery of 93 rustled animals and the rescue of three kidnap victims.
Troops in Kaduna launched multiple raids in Sabon Tasha, Kakuri, and surrounding areas, arresting 27 suspects and seizing illicit drugs and weapons.
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In the North Central zone, operations disrupted criminal activities across Kogi, Plateau, and Kwara States. 126 Battalion in Kogi rescued a kidnapped man and his two children, recovering firearms, while joint air and ground offensives in Lokoja neutralised insurgent movements. In Plateau, troops arrested a notorious insurgent informant, Abdurahman Bega, linked to a wanted terrorist leader, as well as a militia member with an AK-47 rifle. Troops in Kwara also captured arms and a motorcycle during patrols.
The Guards Brigade in Abuja arrested 16 illegal miners — including a Nigerien national and a fake Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operative — alongside mining equipment, motorcycles, narcotics, and generators.
In the South South and Southeast, troops clamped down on oil theft and illegal refining. Operations in Imo, Abia, and Rivers States uncovered 5,000 litres of stolen crude and over 3,000 litres of refined products, with arrests made. In Edo State, troops rescued a kidnapped tricycle operator, while in Rivers, two suspected oil thieves were detained with illegally refined diesel and kerosene.
The military source affirmed that momentum will be sustained to ensure terrorists, insurgents, and criminal syndicates are denied safe havens nationwide.