Troops Neutralise Six Terrorists, Arrest 110 Suspects, Rescue Kidnap Victims
The Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational successes across the country, neutralising six terrorists, arresting 110 suspects, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as over 1,600 litre
s of illicit petroleum products in coordinated operations conducted within the last 24 hours.
In Kwara State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, recovered and secured two improvised explosive devices along the Kaiama–Woro Road.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), troops of 176 Guards Battalion raided an illegal mining site in Gwagwalada, leading to the arrest of 98 suspects. Items recovered include one vehicle, eight motorcycles, five pumping machines, 27 shovels, seven sledgehammers, 22 diggers, three head pans, five mining mats, and a sack of charcoal.
In Kogi State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims along the Adankolo–Mosalaci Boka Road. In a separate operation in Lokoja Local Government Area, troops ambushed terrorists, neutralising three and recovering two AK-47 magazines loaded with 10 and two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, respectively, as well as two motorcycles.
In Plateau State, troops arrested a suspected terrorist in Jos East Local Government Area and foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Rafin Sanyi–Hawan Kibo axis, rescuing one victim. Additionally, two suspected drug peddlers were apprehended, with items recovered including methamphetamine, a smoking pipe, other illicit substances, one Opay ATM card, six mobile phones, and ₦2,750.
Operations in the North East and North West theatres also yielded results. In Borno State, 10 escaped abductees—comprising three adult females and seven minors—returned safely from terrorist enclaves. In Zamfara State, troops neutralised three terrorists during ambush operations and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Baofeng radio, two mobile phones, and one motorcycle. In Benue State, two suspected terrorists were arrested during clearance operations.
In the area of anti-economic sabotage, troops made notable gains. In Yobe State, a vehicle conveying seven sacks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), estimated at 539 litres, was intercepted, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of ₦1.6 million. In Adamawa State, troops seized 11 jerrycans of PMS, 58 empty jerrycans, three motorcycles, and a vehicle loaded with 155 empty jerrycans, while two filling stations involved in illegal fuel sales were sealed.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site equipped with a drum oven, receiver, coolant, a 20-metre galvanised pipe, and three sacks of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) estimated at 125 litres, alongside a waste pit. In a separate operation, 58 sacks of AGO, estimated at 1,500 litres, were intercepted, and three suspects were arrested.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that the coordinated operations demonstrate sustained operational dominance across all theatres. It added that the successes send a strong warning to terrorists, criminals, and economic saboteurs that there is no safe haven for those threatening national security.
