In an operational onslaught against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal gangs across the country by the Nigerian Army, has led to the arrest of high-profile members of notorious and wanted criminal gang led by AKIKI UTIVI, popularly known as Full Fire.
The operation spanning between 17 and 19 September 2025, by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), it was disclosed that the suspect, identified as Saauwan Wuaiyolna, was apprehended at Takum Junction in Wukari LGA of Benue State while attempting to monitor troops’ activities with a view to launching an attack.
In the process, a motorcycle and sundry exhibits were recovered from him.
In another development, in Enugu State, troops of 103 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and Neighborhood Watch, arrested a wanted notorious suspect, Chukwuepre Gideon, in Mmaku community of Awgu LGA.
It was learnt that items recovered during the raid included one motorcycle, one laptop, three unidentified flags, four empty cartridges, eight batteries and inverter casings.
Troops also intensified counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, extending to Damboa LGA of Borno State, where troops of 19 Battalion, supported by Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), and other volunteers, engaged ISWAP/JAS terrorists, and neutralized one and destroyed their logistics structures.
Two kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.
In a Similar operation in Bama LGA, five ISWAP/JAS family members comprising one woman and four children surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion.
Elsewhere in Konduga LGA, troops of 222 Battalion ambushed and neutralized two terrorists following CCTV surveillance.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade neutralized one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Anka LGA, while in another patrol recovered three rustled camels from terrorists attempting to move livestock around Bakura axis.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized two terrorists at Ankwa in Kachia LGA, recovering two AK-47 rifles, a motorcycle and a mobile phone.
Troops also dealt decisive blows to kidnappers across several locations. In Abuja, troops of Army Headquarters Garrison, working with DSS and Police Anti-Kidnap Squad, neutralized three kidnappers in Kurudu high ground and rescued one victim, while two AK-47 rifles and ammunition were seized.
However, in Delta State, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion neutralized two suspected kidnappers in Ika North LGA, recovering one AK-47 rifle, magazines and 42 rounds of ammunition.
While in the South-East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade eliminated two IPOB/ESN criminals in Imo State during clearance operations, recovering a locally fabricated gun, radios, IED-making materials and Biafra insignia.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested 15 suspects responsible for burning huts in Qua’anpan LGA. The suspects were found in possession of 15 fabricated rifles, 105 cartridges, and other dangerous weapons.
Also, the anti-crude oil theft, troops recorded multiple interceptions. In Imo State, troops discovered over 6,500 litres of illegally refined products and dismantled cooking drums and receivers in Ohaji Egbema LGA.
While in Delta State, three suspected oil bunkerers were arrested in Ethiope East LGA, with petroleum products, drums and a tricycle seized.
While extending their frontiers, the troops also engaged cultists and miscreants. In Warri South LGA of Delta State, one cultist linked to kidnapping was arrested, while another was neutralized and one pump-action rifle was recovered.
In Cross River State, eight suspected miscreants were arrested in Obubura LGA following an ambush on troops, with clearance operations ongoing in the forests.
It would be recalled that between 17 and 19 September 2025, troops arrested over 30 suspects, eliminated about 13 terrorists and criminals, rescued three kidnapped victims, secured the surrender of five terrorist family members, and recovered a cache of weapons including five AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, one locally fabricated gun, magazines, assorted ammunition, 15 fabricated rifles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and other incriminating items.
The Nigerian Army remains committed to creating a safer environment that would boost agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.
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