Troops Kill 27 Terrorists, Rescue Hostages, Arrest Suspects In Nationwide Operations

In the wake of recent violent attacks in some parts of the country, the Nigerian military says it is intensifying efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt criminal operations and restore public confidence through sustained nationwide offensives.

The latest operations, conducted over the past 48 hours across multiple theatres, resulted in the elimination of 27 terrorists, the arrest of 10 suspected criminals, the rescue of eight kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other logistics linked to criminal activities.

According to military authorities, the operations were intelligence-driven and executed through coordinated land and air missions spanning Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa and Akwa Ibom states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The military described the successes as a significant setback for terrorist and criminal groups operating across various parts of the country and a reflection of ongoing efforts to degrade their operational capabilities.

Air Strikes Hit Terrorist Strongholds In Borno

In the North-East, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out precision air interdiction missions against terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area of Borno State. Military sources said battle damage assessments and human intelligence reports confirmed that 27 terrorists were neutralised during the operations.

The assessment indicated that 12 insurgents were killed during an air strike targeting Dawoshe in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another 15 terrorists were eliminated in a separate precision engagement at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area.

Ground troops operating in Borno State also recorded successes.

Along the Mandara-Girau-Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area, soldiers arrested a suspected terrorist believed to be involved in supplying logistics to insurgent groups. Recovered items included food supplies, communication equipment, blankets, batteries and herbicides suspected to have been destined for terrorist camps.

In another operation near Kareto, troops foiled an attempted kidnapping and successfully rescued six civilians comprising three men and three women. Military authorities confirmed that all the victims were rescued unharmed.

Suspected Kidnappers, Cattle Rustlers Arrested In Plateau

In Plateau State, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a targeted operation in Bokkos Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect included ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop computer, a mobile phone and military-pattern clothing.

Security personnel also conducted a separate operation in Jos South Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of four suspected criminals. The suspects were found in possession of a fabricated pistol and ammunition, according to military reports.

Victims Rescued, Criminal Hideout Uncovered In Nasarawa

Troops operating in Nasarawa State also recorded operational gains after rescuing two kidnapped victims abandoned by their captors. Military authorities said the kidnappers fled upon sighting advancing troops, leaving the victims behind.

Further investigations based on intelligence obtained from an arrested suspect led security personnel to a criminal hideout. Items recovered from the location included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies as well as ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.

Troops Recover Stolen Vehicle In Abuja

In the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on actionable intelligence intercepted two suspected car thieves along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway. Security operatives recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle during the operation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly forcefully took possession of the vehicle in Abuja and were attempting to transport it out of the city for sale before they were intercepted.

Anti-Oil Theft Operation Yields Success In Akwa Ibom

Meanwhile, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations in the South-South region recorded another breakthrough in Akwa Ibom State. The operation led to the recovery of approximately 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in sacks within a bush in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

Military authorities said the recovered products have been handed over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and necessary action.

Military Reaffirms Commitment

Reacting to the outcomes of the operations, the military reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive actions against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements across the country. It noted that intelligence-led operations and joint security efforts remain critical to denying criminal groups freedom of movement and operational space.

The military also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies through timely and credible information. According to the authorities, public cooperation remains a critical force multiplier in ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, national security and stability across Nigeria.