Army Captures High-Profile IPOB/ESN Suspects, Neutralizes Terrorists in Nationwide Operations
In a series of decisive operations conducted across multiple theatres within the past 48 hours, the Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of high-profile IPOB/ESN suspects, 23 other criminals, and the neutralization of several terrorists.
The Army also reported the surrender of 11 family members of insurgents and the discovery of several illegal oil refining sites in the South-South.
The coordinated nationwide operations, which covered the North-East, South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions, underscore the Army’s renewed operational momentum and commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria.
In the South-East, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade executed a precision strike on a known IPOB/ESN crossing point in Mbaïtoli Local Government Area of Imo State, neutralizing three armed militants following a fierce gun battle.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one pump-action rifle, two BAOFENG communication radios, and an improvised explosive device (IED) battery, effectively disrupting the group’s coordination hub in the area.
Similarly, troops of the 14 Brigade in Abia State apprehended a notorious enforcer of the proscribed group’s illegal sit-at-home order, recovering two motorcycles, a knife, and several ATM cards suspected to be linked to the group’s funding operations.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested four high-profile collaborators linked to the wanted IPOB/ESN commander, Maduabuchi Nwankwo (aka Emergency), at Iballakwu village in Benue State. The suspects — comprising the fugitive’s wife and brothers — were found with mobile devices used in coordinating logistics, procuring materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and facilitating financial transfers for subversive activities.
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Meanwhile, in the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists. On October 27, 2025, troops of the 19 Brigade in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on several communities in Kukawa town. The insurgents reportedly used civilians as human shields, but troops destroyed their vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) using a T-55 tank, neutralized one suicide bomber, and forced others to flee in disarray.
In a related development, 11 ISWAP/JAS family members — including four adult females and seven children — voluntarily surrendered to troops at Mayanti and Tango 16, in Bama LGA. Also, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, while on route clearance patrol along the Dikwa–Ajiri Road, discovered and safely detonated three IEDs, averting potential civilian and military casualties. Sector 3 troops also arrested five suspects in Monguno town during a cordon-and-search operation for further profiling and investigation.
In the South-South, troops intensified the fight against oil theft and illegal refining. In Rivers State, operatives uncovered multiple illegal refining camps containing over 2,600 litres of stolen crude oil and adulterated diesel, along with sophisticated refining equipment. Similarly, troops in Delta State apprehended three suspects and seized a vehicle, a motorcycle, and approximately 4,000 litres of illegally refined condensate during follow-up operations in Ughelli North.
The Nigerian Army described the series of operations as part of its unyielding effort to annihilate terrorist networks, dismantle criminal infrastructures, and sustain nationwide peace and security.
Reaffirming the Army’s resolve, the statement said:
“These successive operational gains underscore the Nigerian Army’s determination to dismantle terror and criminal infrastructures through precision strikes, intelligence-led raids, and inter-agency synergy.
The Army remains resolute in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will sustain the operational tempo until absolute peace and normalcy are restored nationwide.”
By PRNigeria
