Nigerian Army Records Major Successes in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Criminality Operations

Strategic Insights -

In recent operations across Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has made significant strides in combating terrorism and criminality, leading to the arrest of over 60 suspects, including a notorious terrorist leader, a weapons fabricator, and several logistics suppliers. According to a reliable source at Army Headquarters, the army has also recovered arms, ammunition, and other items of intelligence value. The operations have been conducted across various locations, including Niger, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kogi, and Edo states.

Key Takeaways:

  • Troops of 31 Military Intelligence Regiment in conjunction with 313 Artillery Regiment arrested a suspected terrorist leader, identified as Malam Abubakar Ahmadu, alongside two other accomplices at Tungan Mallam Market in Paikoro LGA of Niger state on 17 September 2025.
  • Troops raided a weapons fabrication factory at Heipang District, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau state, arresting a fabricator and recovering 12 assorted fabricated weapons, a pistol, 19 PKT rounds, cartridges, other calibres of ammunition, a smoke grenade, two fragmental jackets, and communication devices.
  • Troops arrested 5 ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers in Benisheikh Market, Kaga LGA, and at the outskirts of Kautikari village in Chibok LGA of Borno state.
  • Troops intercepted four suspects transporting large quantities of fabrics, fertilizer, solar panels, and drugs intended for terrorist use in Nguru, Yobe State.
  • Troops arrested a suspected terrorist spy in Monguno town, Borno state, who confessed to being part of a 10-man team tasked with kidnapping victims for the insurgents.
  • Troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces and 312 Artillery Regiment conducted offensive operations around Kajuru LGA, recovering one AK-47 rifle with 25 rounds, five cows, 15 rams, and other items after dispersing insurgents.
  • Troops of Sector 3 OPEP with vigilantes raided a Ruga settlement at Wildlife Park, Jos South LGA, arresting 11 suspected kidnappers.
  • Troops in Riyom LGA rescued a kidnapped female passenger, while another raid in Mangu LGA led to the arrest of 25 suspected drug dealers.
  • Troops in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State arrested three extremist logisticians and seized motorcycles, phones, and cutlasses.
  • Counter-criminality operations also yielded gains, including the arrest of 5 suspects in a large Indian hemp farm at Kwaji village, Mubi North LGA, Adamawa State.
  • Troops of 4 Brigade rescued a kidnapped victim at Emu community, Esan South East LGA, Edo State, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their mission.

Statistics:

  • Over 60 suspects, including a terrorist leader, a weapons fabricator, kidnappers, drug peddlers, and extremist collaborators, were arrested in the operations.
  • 14 weapons, various calibres of ammunition, motorcycles, livestock, and other logistics items were recovered in the operations.
  • Troops discovered illegal refining sites at Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, and intercepted 450 litres of illegally refined AGO at Ogbogolo community in Rivers state.
  • Troops intercepted a boat laden with 500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Degema LGA.

Sources:

  • Army Headquarters, Nigeria (exact date not specified)
  • Official Army Spokesman at Army Headquarters, Nigeria (exact date not specified)