Nigerian Army neutralises terrorists in major nationwide operation, rescues 37 hostages, and seizes weapons and stolen crude in sweeping raids

Nigerian Army neutralises terrorists in a series of coordinated operations across multiple states, in what military sources describe as one of the most extensive crackdowns in recent months.

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In operations carried out between 2 and 6 October, troops reportedly neutralised nine terrorists, including five members of ISWAP and JAS, a splinter group of Boko Haram, in Borno State.

Additional insurgents were eliminated at the Ekiti–Kogi border and in Delta State.

A military source who spoke to The Nation detailed the successes of the campaign, highlighting the recovery of weapons, arrests of high-profile suspects, and the rescue of 37 kidnap victims.

“This is part of a renewed onslaught to dismantle terrorist strongholds and restore public confidence in affected areas,” the source said.

At Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area, soldiers from the 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS fighters, killing five in a brief but fierce exchange.

In a separate action near the Iyemero community on the Ekiti–Kogi border, troops from the 148 Battalion killed two insurgents and recovered two new AK-47 rifles.

Meanwhile, in Delta State, troops from the 3 Battalion repelled a large-scale attack, killing one terrorist and wounding several others.

The operation extended beyond combat. Security forces arrested eight suspects in Borno, Katsina, Imo, and Plateau States. Among them were:

An ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno
A terrorist collaborator in Kukawa
A wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin in Imo
A suspected gunrunner in Plateau

Authorities say these arrests represent significant intelligence gains in disrupting insurgent logistics and communications.

In a major breakthrough, 28 locals were freed from captivity in Sakaba, Kebbi State — including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the rescue. In separate missions:

7 hostages were rescued in Kaduna and Delta
2 others were freed in Mangu, Plateau State

Troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE responded swiftly to a distress call, preventing further harm to the victims.

In Imo State, combined forces from the 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed several illegal refining sites. Over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined oil were seized and destroyed.

Weapons recovered include:

A dane gun
A fabricated pistol
Three AK-47 magazines
93 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
Several motorcycles used by criminals

The Army says these anti-oil theft missions in the South South are critical to protecting national assets and boosting energy security.

Military authorities praised the collaboration with sister services, local vigilantes, and security agencies, noting that joint efforts have enhanced the efficiency of the ongoing campaign.

“Our goal is to create a safer environment to foster economic growth and agricultural development, in line with the Federal Government’s drive for food security,” the source added.