In a significant operation carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army across multiple theatres of operations within the last few days, a highly valued terrorist has been arrested, while others have been neutralized and the recovery of arms and ammunition took place.
It was learnt that some insurgents also surrendered in the process.
According to the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Lt Col Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, explained that a coordinated operation on 7th October 2025, troops of 2 Brigade, in collaboration with Department of State Services (DSS) operatives from Port Harcourt Command, raided a suspected kidnapper’s hideout at Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
During the raid, a high-value target identified as Emmanuel Akpan, a notorious kidnap kingpin operating along the Oron/Ibaka axis, was arrested. She added that the suspect is currently in DSS custody, undergoing investigation.
Similarly, on 8th October 2025, troops of 196 Amphibious Battalion at Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State arrested an ISWAP/JAS terrorist fighter while attempting to infiltrate the town.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect served as a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist enclaves in Chad and the Niger Republic, with the intent to spy on troop movements under the guise of a surrendering fighter.
It was gathered that the suspect has been handed over to the 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation.
In another development, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion on a snap checkpoint along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Kaduna State, intercepted two suspects conveying 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones, and ₦27,000 cash.
Initial investigations revealed that the ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi, Plateau State, to Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a female, voluntarily surrendered to 68 Battalion troops at Bosso, Niger State, citing intense military pressure and hardship in terrorist enclaves around the Tumbun Marcobina axis. The suspects, originally from Konduga and Jabilam, have been profiled for further debriefing.
In addition to other numerous arrests, troops of 222 Battalion at Bazamri Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to flee and recovering two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition during exploitation operations.
Across other regions, troops arrested multiple criminal suspects, recovered illegal arms, dismantled illegal refining sites, and intercepted stolen crude oil and petroleum products in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau States.
In the course of anti-oil theft operations, troops recovered over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, seized several boats and vehicles used for transporting illicit petroleum products, and destroyed multiple illegal refining ovens and equipment in line with established directives.
The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding law-abiding citizens, protecting communities, and creating secure conditions for economic growth.
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