The Nigerian Army has neutralised more than 80 terrorists, rescued 34 kidnapped civilians, and arrested several suspects during coordinated military operations carried out across multiple states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between December 25 and 29.
A credible source at the Army Headquarters disclosed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), saying the operations were intelligence-led and conducted in line with ongoing counterterrorism and anti-crime efforts nationwide.
According to the source, troops operating in Gulumba Gana, Kumshe, Kasho Miri, and Chongolokura neutralized 38 terrorists, while intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets identified additional high-value targets in the areas.
In Niger and Katsina states, troops successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kwanar Dutse in Mariga Local Government Area and along the Shanono–Katsina axis. One civilian was rescued during the operations, while 78 cows and 28 sheep, earlier rustled by insurgents, were recovered.
The source said significant progress was also recorded in anti-kidnapping operations. In Kebbi State, troops of the 223 Battalion rescued 16 abducted civilians following a tip-off at Unashi Village in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area. In Plateau State, one kidnap victim was rescued at Yaka Naji Jandutse in Wase Local Government Area, although two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the operation.
Beyond counterterrorism and kidnapping rescues, the Army said its troops disrupted various criminal activities across the country. In the FCT, 11 illegal miners were arrested, while two armed robbery suspects were apprehended in Plateau State, and stolen funds were recovered.
In Delta State, two suspected illegal oil bunkerers were arrested, with 104 sacks containing about 2,600 litres of crude oil recovered. In Cross River State, three suspected sea pirates linked to the BIG JOE militant group were also arrested.
The source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at rescuing kidnapped victims and neutralizing insurgent and criminal elements threatening national security.
The operations come amid heightened security measures nationwide, particularly during periods traditionally associated with increased criminal activity. They also follow the Federal Government’s recent designation of kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, signalling a tougher counterterrorism approach to abductions, rural attacks, and organized crime.
