Nigerian Army Intensifies Nationwide Operations Against Criminal Elements

Intensified nationwide operations by the Nigerian Army between 17 and 19 September 2025 have led to significant successes in the fight against criminal elements. The efforts involved coordinated operations across multiple states, resulting in the arrest of high-profile suspects, neutralization of terrorists and kidnappers, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating materials. The operations have put increasing pressure on bandit leaders and insurgent networks, with several family members of terrorists surrendering to troops. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these efforts in support of national security and the Federal Government's agenda to enhance food security.

Key Takeaways:

• Troops of the Nigerian Army arrested several high-profile suspects, neutralizing terrorists and kidnappers, and rescued kidnapped victims between 17 and 19 September 2025.
• In Benue, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE apprehended Saauwan Wuaiyolna, a top-ranking member of a notorious gang led by the wanted criminal, Akiki Utivi, also known as 'Full Fire.'
• In Enugu, troops of the 103 Battalion, working alongside the Nigerian Police and Neighborhood Watch, arrested a wanted suspect, Chukwuepre Gideon, in the Mmaku community of Awgu Local Government Area.
• Troops made significant gains in the North-East, neutralizing ISWAP/JAS fighters in Damboa, Bama, and Konduga LGAs, and rescuing kidnapped victims.
• In the North-West, troops neutralized armed terrorists, recovered AK-47 rifles, and foiled attempts to transport rustled livestock.
• In the North-Central region, troops arrested individuals responsible for violent communal attacks and recovered an assortment of weapons.
• In the Federal Capital Territory, combined forces neutralized suspected kidnappers in Kurudu, rescuing a victim and recovering arms and ammunition.
• The South-East witnessed clearance operations, where troops neutralized members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group and recovered materials linked to explosive-making and separatist propaganda.
• Anti-oil theft operations yielded results as troops dismantled illegal refining sites and intercepted thousands of litres of illicit petroleum products in Imo and Delta.
• Several suspects were arrested in connection with oil bunkering activities.

Statistics:

• Over 30 suspects were arrested during the operations.
• No fewer than 13 terrorists and criminals were neutralized during the operations.
• Several kidnapped victims were rescued.
• Thousands of litres of illicit petroleum products were intercepted in Imo and Delta.
• A wide range of weapons, ammunition, communication equipment, and other materials used in criminal activities were recovered.
• Multiple states witnessed clearance operations, with suspects involved in various crimes apprehended.

Sources:

• "Nigerian Army Intensifies Nationwide Operations Against Criminal Elements," Nigerian Army.