…ARRESTS KILLER OF VC FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, AFIKPO
A nationwide operation by the Nigerian Army has led to the neutralization of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, alongside 35 other insurgents in coordinated operations.
A series of operations conducted between 29th September and 4th October, 2025, also led to the arrest of 32 criminal suspects, while 22 kidnapped victims were rescued.
In addition, a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and logistics supplies was recovered.
Disclosing these in a statement, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Lt Col Appolonia Anele, added that in Kogi State, troops under Operation EGWU EKE ATITE III, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Department of State Security (DSS), Police, and Hybrid Forces, thwarted a terrorist planned attack at Isanlu, Yagba West LGA.
In a fierce firefight, troops overpowered the extremists and neutralized over 12 terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, who had long terrorized communities across Kogi East and Kwara State.
In the process, one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of mixed ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other sundry items were recovered.
Troops of 1 Brigade in Kebbi State ambushed terrorists along the Salka–Kinke–Makurdi road in Ngaski LGA, killing two terrorists and rescuing eight kidnapped victims.
The troops also recovered seven AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.
Similarly, in Kaduna State, troops of the 11 Field Engineer Regiment and CSI Battalion intercepted several criminal activities, including a ₦3 million ransom delivery attempt involving brand-new motorcycles meant for terrorists.
Troops rescued the five kidnapped victims and neutralized several fleeing bandits during the operations in Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs.
In a related development, two suspected kidnappers were intercepted at Damakasuwa checkpoint in Zangon Kataf LGA with ₦1.3 million, while follow-up operations led to the neutralization of two other members of the syndicate who tried to escape during arrest.
In the North East, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion laid an ambush at Dipchari in Bama LGA of Borno State, neutralizing five ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Similarly, troops of 3 Battalion and 24 Task Force Brigade arrested suspected ISWAP logistics and drug suppliers along the Gamboru–Wulgo road, recovering illicit items.
In another operation in Monguno 12 suspects were arrested, including a terrorist tax collector, which effectively crippled elements of the terrorist intelligence network in the region.
In the South East, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation UDO KA raided IPOB/ESN hideouts in Abia and Imo States, and arrested several suspects, including one involved in the abduction and murder of the Vice Chancellor of the Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo.
Troops also neutralized a notorious foot soldier of an IPOB/ESN commander and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 14 rounds of ammunition.
Operations in the South South under Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and destroyed multiple illegal oil refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, 14 drug peddlers were arrested by troops in conjunction with the NDLEA.
Elsewhere, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized an armed suspect in Benue State and rescued six kidnapped victims in Taraba State. Further arrests of arms suppliers and suspected collaborators were made in Sokoto and Kano States, reinforcing the Army’s proactive stance against insecurity.
Lt Vol Anele further added that during these operations, the Nigerian Army dealt a decisive blow to terrorists and criminal elements across multiple theatres.
In all, troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 780 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other logistics materials.
Adding that these sweeping operational successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s superiority in combat operations, intelligence-led precision and unyielding commitment to restoring peace and stability across the nation.
The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its determination to create a secure environment that enhances agricultural and economic activities, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to national food security and sustainable development.
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