In a sweeping three-day nationwide operation, the Nigerian Army announced it has severely degraded multiple terrorist and criminal networks, neutralizing eight fighters, arresting 51 suspects, and rescuing 27 hostages.
The coordinated offensive, which took place from November 29 to December 1, targeted armed groups across several states and resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of weapons, explosives, and stolen goods.
According to an army statement issued on Monday, troops conducted “a decisive nationwide offensive” that delivered “major blows to criminal networks.” Operations were carried out in the North East, North Central, North West, and South-South regions, leading to the recovery of “a substantial cache of weapons and illicit items.”
Regional Operations
In Borno State, units including the 151, 152, and 192 Battalions engaged Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’adati wal-Jihad (JAS) fighters in clearance operations. The army said troops “neutralized four ISWAP/JAS terrorists” and captured several AK-47 rifles, magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Across the North Central and North West, soldiers rescued 20 civilians held by kidnappers in locations spanning Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States. Those freed included “6 adult females and 1 minor” in Tsanyawa/Kankia and multiple victims in Panyam, Zaki-Biam, Yagba West, and other local government areas.
During these missions, security forces detained suspects linked to kidnapping, human trafficking, illegal mining, and cultism. In Taraba, troops also “neutralized 4 violent extremists” during a response to a communal clash.
Major Interceptions and Arrests
A significant breakthrough was the capture of a high-profile arms supplier. The army reported the arrest of “notorious gunrunner Shuaibu Isah (aka Alhaji) who was attempting to receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition from accomplices still being trailed.” Officials described the arrest as “one of the most significant breakthroughs of the period.”
In a separate operation in Kaduna, troops intercepted a vehicle carrying a large volume of explosives, including “5,000kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000m of cordtex fuse, 10 electric detonators and 1,000m of connecting wire.” An investigation involving multiple security agencies is ongoing.
Additional Recoveries
Other recoveries included rustled livestock, crude oil, and drugs. Soldiers recovered “76 rustled cattle in Plateau State” and returned them to owners. In the South-South, an illegal refinery containing about 1,000 liters of stolen crude was shut down.
Additionally, in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), 25 individuals were arrested on drug-related charges.
Commitment to Security
The Nigerian Army concluded its statement by reaffirming its “commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians and ensuring that terrorists, criminals and their collaborators have no safe haven.”
The operations reflect an intensified military campaign aimed at destabilizing armed groups and restoring security across conflict-affected regions.
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