By Emmanuel Obisue
In a series of coordinated offensives across the country, the Nigerian Army has dealt heavy blows to terrorists, kidnappers, cultists, oil bunkerers, and other criminal gangs, neutralizing several, arresting dozens, rescuing kidnapped victims, and confiscating a cache of weapons, explosives, ammunition, vehicles, and logistics materials.
According to military authorities, its men in the North East under the 152 Task Force Battalion, alongside the Hybrid Force and Civilian JTF, foiled an ISWAP/JAS attack in Banki, recovering ammunition, a bicycle, and military camouflage. Similarly, 21 Special Armoured Brigade successfully disposed of two command IEDs planted along Darel Jamel–Bula Yobe road.
Combined forces of 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade intercepted ISWAP/JAS logistics operatives on the Damboa–Gumsuri road, killing one terrorist and seizing two AK-47 rifles, 36 hand grenades, IED materials, uniforms, 32 bicycles, chemicals, drugs, and other supplies.
In Katsina, the Defence Special Operations Force (DSOF) engaged terrorists at Jeka Areda and Ruwan Godia, seizing seven motorcycles. In Cross River, troops of 146 and 130 Battalions neutralized a cultist found with a roasted human leg, while 34 Artillery Brigade destroyed an illegal oil refining site containing 800 litres of products.
Elsewhere, troops neutralized two terrorists in Sokoto, arrested suspected kidnappers in Taraba, rescued victims in Kaduna, Benue, and Plateau, and foiled multiple terror logistics networks in Borno. Arms—including AK-47 rifles, RPG bombs, FN rifle, pistols, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition—were recovered alongside motorcycles, bicycles, vehicles, and illegally refined petroleum.
Between 19 and 22 September 2025, the nationwide operations led to the elimination of several terrorists, arrest of over 20 suspects, rescue of multiple victims, and the recovery of a deadly arsenal: at least 10 AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, five RPG bombs, 36 hand grenades, explosives, uniforms, 39 motorcycles, 32 bicycles, over 700 rounds of ammunition, and significant quantities of chemicals and drugs.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations to create safer communities, safeguard farmlands, and support the Federal Government’s push for national food security.
