The Nigerian Army has stepped up its nationwide offensive against terrorists, insurgents, and economic saboteurs, achieving major breakthroughs within the last 48 hours.
According to a statement released on Sunday through the Army’s official X handle, the renewed operations are part of the directive by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to “completely annihilate terrorists and dismantle all networks of criminality.”
The military reported that seven terrorists were neutralised, 27 suspects arrested, and various arms, ammunition, and stolen crude products recovered in coordinated operations across different regions of the country.
In the North East, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, conducted what was described as “a precision cordon-and-search operation” in Anguwan Church, Monguno, Borno State, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects linked to terror logistics and intelligence networks. Similarly, the 192 Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS fighters along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, killing three terrorists and seizing an AK-47 rifle with five rounds of ammunition. Troops of the 25 Brigade in Damboa also neutralised a terrorist attempting to infiltrate their position under the guise of conducting reconnaissance.
Further operations in the North West and North Central regions also yielded results. The Army stated that “troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Kaduna State raided a terrorist hideout in Kauru Local Government Area, neutralising two insurgents responsible for recent attacks on civilians.” In Plateau State, four suspects were apprehended in connection with the killing of two civilians in Riyom Local Government Area. Meanwhile, in Niger State, “Operation FANSAN YAMMA eliminated a terrorist scout and recovered a motorcycle, a mobile phone, and other operational materials.”
Troops also recorded notable success in the South-South region. In Akwa Ibom State, personnel of the 2 Brigade arrested three illegal miners involved in black sand trading, while the 144 Battalion in Abia State uncovered an illegal refining site containing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade discovered another refining hub in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, seizing six drums of stolen crude oil and a canoe used for transportation.
In Delta State, “troops of the 90 Amphibious Battalion apprehended three suspects, including an impostor dressed in military camouflage, during a snap checkpoint in Sapele,” the Army said. Items recovered included fake military ranks, mobile phones, and charms, with all suspects currently under investigation.
The statement affirmed that these coordinated and simultaneous operations underscore the Army’s renewed combat readiness and determination under Lieutenant General Shaibu’s leadership to “take the fight to the enemy’s doorstep and destroy all threats to national security.”
Reiterating its commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, the Army described the ongoing operations as a defining phase in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.
“The Army remains unyielding in its resolve to restore lasting peace, protect citizens, and defend Nigeria’s sovereignty,” the statement read, urging the public to provide credible and timely information to support ongoing military efforts.
