Army Eliminates Wanted IPOB Commander, 26 Others, Rescue Hostages in Nationwide Operations
In a series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across multiple regions of the country, troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major victories against terrorists, insurgents, and criminal networks between October 8 and 11, 2025.
The operations led to the neutralization of at least 26 terrorists and criminal elements, arrest of 22 suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms, ammunition, and logistics items.
According to a statement by Army authorities, the operations were conducted simultaneously across the South East, North East, North West, North Central, and South-South regions, yielding substantial results.
In the South East, troops of Sector 2 Operation UDO KA tracked down and neutralized a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Alhaji at his hideout in Ezza-Eyimaggu, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The wanted militant was reportedly killed after attempting to disarm a soldier during his arrest. Similarly, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade on patrol in Mbaotoli LGA, Imo State, discovered and destroyed an IPOB/ESN shrine believed to be used for indoctrination and planning criminal activities.
In the North East, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged ISWAP and JAS terrorists along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis in Borno State, killing four terrorists and rescuing two civilians who had been held hostage. Troops also recovered over ₦4.3 million and two new mobile phones previously seized by the terrorists. In a separate encounter, troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri neutralized five insurgents and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a dagger.
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Three ISWAP/JAS terrorists also surrendered to troops of 242 Recce Battalion in Monguno after fleeing their enclaves around the Timbuktu Triangle, citing disillusionment and fatigue. Intelligence-led air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at Gebe Primary School in Isa LGA, Sokoto State, reportedly decimated several terrorists, including their field commanders.
In the North West, troops of 8 Division Garrison working with local vigilantes intercepted logistics couriers transporting hard drugs and motorcycle spare parts from Lagos to Zamfara State. The suspects were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. Also, troops of 1 Brigade responded to distress calls in Anka LGA, Zamfara State, rescuing abducted victims and neutralizing armed terrorists during a hot pursuit.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North Central region carried out successful raids in parts of Nasarawa and Benue States, arresting several kidnapping suspects, rescuing victims, and recovering arms, charms, and other exhibits. Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Barkin Ladi and arrested five drug peddlers in Bassa LGA.
In the South-South, troops of Sector 3 Operation DELTA SAFE neutralized two suspected cultists and arrested one other in Rivers State, recovering rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, and military accoutrements. In Edo State, troops of 4 Brigade rescued a kidnapped victim in Esan South East LGA and recovered the victim’s vehicle.
Across all theatres of operation, the Army said its troops rescued five kidnapped victims, neutralized 26 terrorists and criminal elements, and arrested 22 suspects for offences including terrorism, banditry, drug trafficking, and cultism. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, assorted magazines, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, charms, and locally fabricated weapons.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the country, emphasizing that its ongoing operations are aimed at creating a safer environment that will boost economic and agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.
By PRNigeria
