The Nigerian Army has rescued 37 kidnapped victims and neutralised nine terrorists during a series of coordinated operations conducted across the country between October 2 and 6, 2025.
Military sources said the operations which involved joint land and air offensives also led to the arrest of eight criminal suspects and the recovery of several weapons, ammunition, and logistics supplies.
In the North-East, troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters near Dipchari, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing five insurgents during a fierce encounter.
Similarly, troops of the 148 Battalion operating along the Ekiti–Kogi border neutralised two terrorists and seized two AK-47 rifles, while soldiers of the 3 Battalion repelled a major attack on their base, killing one terrorist and forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds.
Elsewhere, troops operating in Borno, Katsina, Imo, and Plateau States arrested eight suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and arms trafficking. Those apprehended include an ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a terrorist collaborator in Kukawa, a suspected IPOB/ESN member in Imo, and a gunrunner in Plateau.
Recovered items included a locally-made pistol, a dane gun, three AK-47 magazines, over 100 rounds of assorted ammunition, and several motorcycles reportedly used for criminal activities.
Troops also carried out multiple rescue missions in Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Kebbi States, freeing 37 kidnapped victims. Notably, 28 captives including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the operation were rescued in Sakaba, Kebbi State.
Seven others were freed in Kaduna and Delta, while two hostages were rescued in Mangu, Plateau State, under Operation Enduring Peace.
In the South-South, troops intensified their crackdown on oil theft.
Joint forces from the 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation Delta Safe uncovered and destroyed several illegal refining sites in Imo State, recovering over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement, attributed the successes to enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, pledging continued commitment to national security.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in safeguarding the nation and ensuring a secure environment for economic and agricultural activities to thrive,” the statement said.
Officials noted that the operations align with the Federal Government’s wider strategy to combat insecurity and strengthen national food security.