The Nigerian Army has announced major operational breakthroughs across the country, neutralizing 27 terrorists and criminal elements, including a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Alhaji, and arresting 22 others in a series of coordinated operations conducted between October 8 and 11, 2025.
According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Sunday, the intelligence-driven operations — carried out simultaneously in various regions — also led to the rescue of five kidnapped victims, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the dismantling of several terrorist and criminal networks.
In the South East, troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, tracked and eliminated the wanted IPOB/ESN commander, Alhaji, at his hideout in Ezza-Eyimaggu, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The Army said the suspect was neutralized after attempting to disarm a soldier during his arrest. Similarly, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade destroyed an IPOB/ESN shrine used for criminal indoctrination in Mbaotoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
In the North East, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged ISWAP/JAS terrorists along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis of Borno State, killing four terrorists and rescuing two kidnapped civilians.
The troops also recovered ₦4.3 million and two new mobile phones previously seized by the insurgents. In a separate encounter, soldiers of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri neutralized five more terrorists and recovered rifles, ammunition, and a dagger.
The Army further disclosed that three ISWAP/JAS fighters surrendered to troops of the 242 Recce Battalion in Monguno, Borno State, citing exhaustion and loss of confidence in their leaders. Meanwhile, precision air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State targeted terrorist camps, killing several fighters and their commanders.
In the North West, troops of the 8 Division Garrison intercepted logistics couriers transporting hard drugs and motorcycle spare parts from Lagos to Zamfara State. The suspects have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. Troops of 1 Brigade also responded to distress calls in Anka Local Government Area, rescuing kidnapped victims and neutralizing armed bandits during a pursuit operation.
Similarly, in the North Central zone, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted raids in Nasarawa and Benue States, arresting kidnapping suspects, rescuing victims, and recovering arms and charms. Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE on the Plateau also foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Barkin Ladi and apprehended five drug dealers in Bassa Local Government Area.
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In the South-South, troops of Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE, clashed with cultists in Rivers State, killing two and arresting one suspect. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and military gear were recovered. In Edo State, troops of the 4 Brigade rescued a kidnapped victim in Esan South East and recovered the victim’s vehicle.
Across all operational theatres, the Army confirmed that 26 terrorists and criminal elements were neutralized, 22 suspects arrested, and five hostages freed. Recovered items included several AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ammunition, motorcycles, charms, mobile phones, and locally made weapons.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at ensuring peace and security across the country, emphasizing that its efforts are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to create a secure environment that supports economic recovery and food security.