Army Arrests 88 Suspects, Recovers Arm, Rescues Hostages Nationwide
The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, achieving significant breakthroughs that led to the arrest of 88 suspects, the recovery of deadly weapons, and the rescue of several kidnapped victims across multiple regions of the country.
According to military sources, the coordinated operations — conducted between October 16 and October 19 — targeted terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves operating in the North East, North Central, North West, and South-South regions.
Operations in the North Central
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace, raided the hideout of a notorious insurgent leader, Alhaji Muhammad Sule (alias MP), at Rawaya Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, four AK-47 magazines, two G3 magazines, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Operations in the North East
In Borno State, troops of 19 Brigade, stationed at Cross Kauwa, foiled an infiltration attempt by ISWAP/JAS terrorists from the Alagarno and Mallum Karamti axis. The insurgents fled under superior firepower, abandoning 95 rounds of 12.7x108mm ammunition.
Elsewhere, troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak recovered an AK-47 rifle previously stolen from a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member after repelling a terrorist attack.
In a joint operation with the Department of State Services (DSS), troops of 195 Battalion arrested a notorious ISWAP informant and ransom collector. Similarly, at Dowoshi, in Kukawa Local Government Area, two ISWAP logistics suppliers were captured with food items and assorted materials.
At Molai, along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road, troops recovered two bicycles, two solar lamps, six mobile phones with chargers, and ₦4.77 million abandoned by fleeing terrorists.
Operations in the North West
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Troops of 3 Brigade in Kano and 4 Brigade in Edo rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations. Likewise, forces under Operations Whirl Stroke and Enduring Peace apprehended multiple suspects linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, impersonation, and terrorist collaboration across Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna States.
In Kajuru, Kaduna State, a joint team comprising the 312 Artillery Regiment and the Defence Special Operations Force engaged terrorists, recovering a submachine gun with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition and rescuing one kidnapped victim.
Troops in Sokoto State arrested 69 suspected drug peddlers, who were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution. Additionally, five terrorist collaborators were taken into custody.
Operations in the South-East and South-South
In Abia State, troops of 143 Battalion destroyed an IPOB/ESN hideout at Umudi Forest, Umunneochi Local Government Area, arresting two suspects.
Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke troops in Benue State dismantled another insurgent camp at Gbagir, recovering one motorcycle, two customized vehicle plate numbers, and a mobile phone.
In the South-South, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State intercepted a vehicle transporting 10 drums (about 2,500 litres) of illegally refined condensate. Likewise, 343 Artillery Regiment troops in Rivers State seized a boat carrying 840 litres of illegally refined dual-purpose kerosene (DPK) and arrested one suspect.
Overall Achievements
Across all theatres of operation, troops recovered four rifles (including AK-47 and G3), one revolver pistol, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 95 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, ₦4.77 million in cash, and several vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics items.
Army Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Security
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to sustain aggressive nationwide operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, suppressing criminal syndicates, and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The Army also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities and criminal hideouts.
By PRNigeria
