The Nigerian Army has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing nationwide counterterrorism and internal security campaigns, arresting 199 criminal suspects and neutralising several terrorists through coordinated and decisive operations across multiple regions.
According to a credible source within the Army Headquarters who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the military has ramped up its tactical offensives in collaboration with sister security agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and local vigilante networks.
These concerted efforts, the source said, have successfully dismantled entrenched criminal networks, leading to the recovery of arms and ammunition, illicit funds, stolen petroleum products, and digital tools used in perpetrating cybercrime.
One of the notable achievements was recorded in Borno State, where troops of the 202 Battalion, in joint operations with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), executed a well-planned ambush in the Bama axis.
This operation eliminated a suspected logistics courier for ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Recovered from the scene were a bicycle and critical mechanical components, believed to support the terrorists’ supply chain.
In the North West, specifically Sokoto State, operatives from the 8 Division Garrison Strike Team carried out a targeted sting operation near Giginya Cantonment and Raymond Village.
The mission disrupted drug trafficking activities, leading to the arrest of four suspects. Confiscated items included narcotics, two motorcycles, a vehicle, ₦185,000 in cash, ATM cards, mobile phones, and a point-of-sale device.
Katsina State also witnessed swift military intervention when troops of the 17 Brigade repelled a deadly ambush on a Nigerian Police convoy in Malumfashi.
During the counter-attack, the forces recovered a police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and apprehended a notorious terrorist commander, Muhammadu Hamisu, popularly known as Mamiyo. He was captured with a motorcycle and various communication gadgets.
Further south, in Kogi State, the Army in collaboration with the ONSA Hybrid Forces, arrested a suspected kidnapper linked to a notorious insurgent leader operating within Yagba East Local Government Area.
In Edo State, troops from the 322 Artillery Regiment conducted a surprise raid on criminal hideouts within the EMU Forest. The operation resulted in the arrest of a major suspect and the recovery of a double-barrel gun, a fabricated pistol, 24 mobile phones, live cartridges, several motorcycles, and over ₦500,000 in cash.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the 176 Guards Battalion, operating jointly with ONSA Quick Response Teams, apprehended three extremist informants at a snap checkpoint along the Lokoja-Abaji corridor. This interception was part of heightened security vigilance within and around the capital.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State under Operation Safe Haven, security operatives arrested a wanted cattle rustler, Zaki Kabiru, along with another suspect linked to a recent killing in Mangu Local Government Area. According to the Army source, these arrests represent meaningful strides in restoring stability to the region.
Perhaps the most consequential operation occurred in Delta State, where troops of the 3 Battalion raided a cybercrime training facility in Warri. The crackdown resulted in the arrest of 183 suspected internet fraudsters and the seizure of 274 laptops, 87 mobile phones, and other digital tools employed in executing online scams.
“These collective operations send a powerful signal to criminal elements and enemies of the state,” the senior military officer emphasised. “Nowhere remains safe for those who pose threats to Nigeria’s peace, security, and sovereignty.”