The Defence Headquarters said, the gallant Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, arrested a notorious extremist, an associate of a violent extremists kingpin terrorizing and kidnaping passengers within Federal University Wukari and Road Jootar - Wukari in Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this in a signed press statement that the arrest took place on 16 July 2025.
Similarly, a suspected informant to extremists/kidnapper kingpin, Kachalla Shuaibu was also arrested in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State.
He also revealed that Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE eliminated some extremists in Guma Katsina Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue state as well as Bali and LGAs of Taraba State.
During the operations, troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested 2 of them and rescued 9 kidnapped victims. They also recovered arms and ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles.
He noted that between 17 -22 July 2025, 4 suspected criminals/kidnappers were arrested in Yagba West, Yagba East and Nasarawa LGAs of Kogi and Nasarawa States respectively, while 5 others were also arrested in Abaji and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the FCT. Weapons, ammunition and other items were recovered from them. Investigation is ongoing while recovered items are in troops’ custody.
Sequel to raid operation conducted in a suspected militia hideouts in Barkin Ladi on 21 July 2025, suspect confession led to recovery of weapons and ammunition in Mangu LGA of the state on 22 July 2025.
Maj. gen Kangye revealed tbat following an intelligence led operation conducted in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State on 19 July 2025, gallant troops arrested a notorious gunrunner identified as Haruna Abdullahi in possession of 350 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
He added, 6 others suspected criminals were also arrested between 16 – 20 July 2025 in Barkin Ladi and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Investigation ongoing while recovered items in troops’ custody.
He stressed that while conducting offensive operations and responding to distress calls on terrorists’ activities within the period 17 - 21 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN operations, contacted extremists and killed some of them, arrested 6 and rescued 17 kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.
He said the Armed Forces will continue to enhance their strategies and capabilities to ensure a secure and stable Nigeria for all citizens