In a series of highly coordinated military offensives, Nigerian troops have dealt a significant blow to terrorist groups across multiple states, neutralizing high-profile insurgents, dismantling strongholds, and recovering a vast cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
On March 1, 2025, troops launched a strategic assault in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State following credible intelligence that insurgents were regrouping to attack villages around Fallujah and its environs.
The well-planned operation resulted in a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours, as troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralizing many while dismantling explosive devices planted along their escape routes.
A thorough search of the battlefield led to the recovery of a massive arsenal, including 11 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, 760 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, 220 rounds of 12.7mm linked ammunition, One AK-47 rifle and 440 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition.
In a subsequent clearance operation at Unguwan Abdullahi, troops demolished terrorist hideouts and uncovered hidden stockpiles of food items buried underground—depriving the insurgents of essential supplies.
As troops advanced towards Garin Fallujah, they engaged terrorists in another intense firefight, forcing them into a chaotic retreat.
During the operation, a notorious terrorist commander, Abba Alai (also known as the Amirul Khahid of Alafa), was neutralized.
The troops also seized additional weapons, including One AK-47 rifle, One AK-47 rifle magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one radio set, A DSHK heavy machine gun barrel, one motorcycle and assorted medical supplies.
Continuing their offensive, troops stormed the notorious Ukuba Forest, where they captured an alarming array of military-grade equipment and weaponry.
The cache included Two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), a Mowag armored tank engine, a heavy-duty vehicle engine block with components, one QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, three light machine guns, One M60 machine gun, two RPG launcher tubes, One QJC cradle, one HK21 machine gun, one G3 rifle magazine, a fabricated 60mm mortar tube and three Improvised Explosive Device (IED) cylinders.
Troops stationed in Gwoza LGA executed another successful operation in Gobara village, preventing insurgents from escaping the Sambisa Forest.
The terrorists, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, abandoned their weapons and fled.
A search of the area led to the discovery of 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Three AK-47 rifle magazines, a locally fabricated dane gun and Two prototype firearms, believed to be used in terrorist training.
Additionally, in a heartening development, troops rescued an elderly woman who had been held hostage by the terrorists for 10 years.
Meanwhile, acting on intelligence, troops in Chibok LGA stormed a notorious kidnappers’ hideout in Shirkaki village.
A prime suspect, long on the security watchlist, was apprehended.
The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 rifle magazines, one pump-action shotgun, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six cartridges
In Katsina State, terrorists attempting an attack on Unguwan Baki village, Faskari LGA, were met with superior firepower, forcing them to flee into the forest, abandoning their motorcycles. In an unexpected but significant turn of events, a high-ranking terrorist commander in Jibia LGA voluntarily surrendered to troops. In a remarkable show of surrender, he handed over two AK-47 rifles and freed 10 captives, including seven women and three children—signaling his decision to renounce terrorism.
In Zamfara State, troops engaged another group of terrorists, neutralizing one while the rest scattered in confusion, abandoning two motorcycles.
Troops deployed to Niger State also engaged terrorists in a prolonged battle, forcing them to retreat into the dense forests of Dakwala and Chikuba.
A sweeping clearance operation followed, leading to the recovery of 36 abandoned motorcycles and the destruction of all identified terrorist hideouts in the area.
Further south, in Baruten LGA of Kwara State, troops raided a known kidnappers’ enclave in Karunji village.
The criminals fled in terror upon sighting the advancing forces, abandoning their captives. The operation resulted in the recovery of a locally made pistol, six dane guns, and three motorcycles.
In a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, troops operating in Delta State captured a high-profile commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The suspect, identified as Ekene Ifeanyi, was apprehended in his hideout within the Issele Asagba Forest in Oshimili South LGA.
According to military intelligence, Ifeanyi had been instrumental in establishing IPOB/ESN terrorist cells in Delta State. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his role as a top IPOB operative.
Reacting to the latest successes, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, praised the troops for their bravery and relentless pursuit of terrorists across the nation.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring their welfare, recognizing their selfless service in safeguarding national security.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to eradicate terrorism and criminality, assuring that with unwavering commitment, superior firepower, and relentless pursuit, troops will continue to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace across the country.
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