Nigerian Army Repels Terrorist Attacks, Kills Dozens, Rescues Kidnapped Victims

Strategic Insights -

Intense gunfire and airstrikes have broken out in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, where Nigerian Army troops launched a successful operation against terrorists, killing dozens and destroying motorcycles. The fighting patrol, which began on July 22, 2025, saw troops engage the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, neutralizing many and recovering AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines. Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma, in a separate operation, eliminated at least 95 terrorists in airstrikes around Ragada and Warari villages.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigerian Army troops killed dozens of terrorists in a fierce gun battle in Rijau Local Government Area, Niger State, on July 22 and 23, 2025.
  • The operation, part of Operation Forest Sanity III, involved a fighting patrol that linked up with forces at Forward Operating Bases in Rijau and Warari, Niger State.
  • Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma successfully eliminated 95 terrorists in airstrikes around Ragada and Warari villages, with 108 motorcycles and sophisticated weapons recovered.
  • In a separate operation, troops rescued 138 kidnapped victims and arrested several terrorist collaborators across Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States.
  • The Nigerian Army confirmed that one soldier paid the supreme price during the operation in Rijau Local Government Area.
  • Residents of Warari and adjoining communities in Rijau LGA, as well as Ragada, Kakihum, Mazame, Maburya, and Kura in Mariga LGA, have fled their homes following the intense gun battle.
  • The operation led to the recovery of AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and the destruction of 18 motorcycles.
  • Comrade Zakari Y. Adamu Kontagora, a resident in the area, confirmed that Nigerian Army troops successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Warari, a community in Rijau LGA.
  • Some of the insurgents are still regrouping in the Kotonkoro Forest, located in Mariga LGA of Niger State.

Statistics:

  • At least 95 terrorists eliminated in airstrikes around Ragada and Warari villages.
  • 108 motorcycles recovered from terrorists in Ragada and Warari villages.
  • 138 kidnapped victims rescued across Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States.
  • Seven years since the beginning of Operation Lafiya Dole in 2015.
  • Estimated 10,000 to 15,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Niger State.

Sources:

  • The Punch [1]
  • NAN [2]
  • The News [3]
  • Premium Times [4]
  • Leadership [5]
  • The Guardian [6]
  • Vanguard [7]
  • Daily Trust [8]