The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide offensive operations, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal syndicates between 29 September and 1 October 2025. The daring series of coordinated operations led to the rescue of hostages, arrests of key suspects, neutralization of terrorists, and recovery of weapons, livestock, vehicles, illicit drugs, and illegal mining materials.
In the North East, troops operating in Borno State dealt heavy blows to ISWAP/JAS fighters, rescuing several hostages and recovering AK-47 rifles, grenades, motorcycles, and communication gadgets. Clearance operations around Mittiri, Loskuri, and Tamsu Ngamdu also freed more captives and dismantled insurgent positions, disrupting terrorist movements in the region.
Similar operations were carried out in the North Central states of Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue, where troops successfully rescued kidnapped victims, recovered over 80 rustled cattle, and arrested armed herders and suspects linked to recent attacks in local communities.
In the North West, troops operating in Sokoto and Kano states rescued fleeing villagers and captured a wanted terrorist leader, further weakening criminal networks in the region. Meanwhile, in the South East, soldiers arrested two IPOB/ESN elements in Enugu following an intelligence-led sting operation.
The military’s clampdown also extended to the South South, where troops destroyed multiple illegal refining camps in Rivers State and apprehended five drug suspects in Bayelsa with large quantities of narcotics. In Taraba, a convoy disguised as police officers was intercepted with 1,134 blocks of cannabis. Similarly, in Kogi State, troops intercepted a drug courier in possession of cash, gold extract, and hard drugs; the suspect was neutralized while attempting to escape.
In the South West, troops in Oyo State raided an illegal lithium mining site, arresting three Chinese nationals and recovering vehicles, phones, and mineral ore.
Overall, the nationwide operations led to the rescue of more than 10 hostages, the arrest of dozens of suspects, and the recovery of multiple assault rifles, grenades, and ammunition. Troops also seized illicit drugs worth millions of naira and dismantled several illegal refining and mining sites.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations to dismantle criminal networks, restore peace, and safeguard communities in support of the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen national security and food security across the country.