The Nigerian Army has recorded major successes in ongoing counterterrorism and anti-crime operations across the country, killing 27 terrorists, arresting 10 suspected criminals, rescuing eight kidnapped victims, and recovering weapons, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other items during coordinated operations conducted over the past 48 hours.
The operations, carried out through intelligence-led joint land and air missions, took place in Borno, Plateau, and Nasarawa states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Akwa Ibom State. Military authorities said the achievements reflect sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, combat kidnapping, and disrupt criminal activities nationwide.
In Borno State, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area. Military assessments and intelligence reports confirmed the killing of 27 insurgents. Twelve terrorists were neutralised during an airstrike on Dawoshe in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another 15 were killed in a separate operation at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area.
Ground troops operating in the state also arrested a suspected terrorist along the Mandara-Girau-Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Recovered items included food supplies, communication equipment, blankets, herbicides, and batteries believed to have been destined for insurgent groups.
In a separate operation near Kareto, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued six civilians—three men and three women—without injuries.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect included ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, and military-style clothing.
Also in Plateau, four suspected criminals were apprehended in Jos South Local Government Area. Security operatives recovered a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition from the suspects.
In Nasarawa State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims after their abductors fled upon sighting advancing security forces. Follow-up operations, based on intelligence obtained from an arrested suspect, led to the discovery of a criminal hideout.
Items recovered from the hideout included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, and ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on intelligence intercepted two suspected carjackers along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly stolen the vehicle in Abuja and were attempting to transport it out of the city for sale.
In the South-South region, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations in Akwa Ibom State recovered approximately 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The product was concealed in sacks within a bush in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area and has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities.
The military said the operational successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and joint security operations in degrading terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
It reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal elements and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as a critical force multiplier in efforts to achieve lasting peace and national security.
