Army storms terror strongholds, kills seven, arrests 27 in nationwide raids

The Nigerian Army has stepped up its nationwide offensive against terrorists, insurgents, and economic saboteurs, launching a series of coordinated strikes that have dealt heavy blows to criminal networks across the country within the past 48 hours.

The intensified operations, carried out under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reflect what the Army describes as a renewed determination to “completely annihilate terrorists and dismantle all networks of criminality.”

According to a statement released on Sunday through the Army’s official X handle, troops neutralised seven terrorists, arrested 27 suspects, and recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and stolen crude oil in simultaneous operations spanning the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South regions.

The statement said in the North-East, troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision cordon-and-search mission in Anguwan Church, Monguno, Borno State, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals allegedly linked to terror logistics and intelligence networks.

Similarly, troops from 192 Battalion ambushed ISWAP and JAS fighters along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, killing three insurgents and recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. In Damboa, troops of 25 Brigade neutralised another terrorist attempting to infiltrate their position under false pretences.

According to the statement, operations in the North-West and North-Central zones also yielded positive results. In Kaduna State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE raided a terrorist hideout in Kauru Local Government Area, killing two insurgents behind recent attacks on civilians.

In Plateau State, four suspects were arrested over the murder of two residents in Riyom Local Government Area, while Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops in Niger State eliminated a terrorist scout and seized a motorcycle, mobile phone and other items.

The statement said in the South-South, the Army intensified crackdowns on oil theft and illegal refining. 2 Brigade troops in Akwa Ibom State arrested three illegal miners, while 144 Battalion in Abia State uncovered a refinery holding over 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Likewise, 34 Artillery Brigade troops dismantled another refining site in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, seizing six drums of crude oil and a canoe used for transport.

Troops of 90 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State also arrested three suspects, including a man impersonating a soldier in camouflage, at a checkpoint in Sapele. Recovered items included fake military insignia, mobile phones and charms.

The statement described the operations as evidence of the Army’s revitalised combat posture and determination under General Shaibu to “take the fight to the enemy’s doorstep and eliminate all threats to national security.”

Reaffirming its commitment to national peace and sovereignty, the Army pledged to sustain the momentum, urging citizens to support the ongoing operations by sharing timely and credible intelligence.

“This new phase marks a decisive turning point in the war against terrorism, banditry and oil theft,” the statement concluded.