Army crushes terrorists, criminals in nationwide crackdowns

...Arms, livestock, explosives recovered as troops arrest seven suspects

Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified their offensive against terrorist networks and criminal syndicates across multiple theatres of operation, recording major successes over the weekend.

A top military source disclosed that coordinated raids on Friday, 18th July 2025, led to the neutralisation of insurgents, recovery of stolen arms and livestock, and the arrest of high-profile suspects in various states.

In Borno State, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade launched a precision ambush along the Lambawa–Kalari axis in Kaga Local Government Area, killing a fighter linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Items recovered included a Dane gun, a bicycle, and motorcycle parts aimed at disrupting the group’s mobility.

Separately, 26 family members of ISWAP fighters including women and children surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Bama and Damboa, amid increasing military pressure on terror enclaves.

“These individuals are now undergoing rigorous screening and profiling,” the source revealed.

Troops of 117 Task Force Battalion and Civilian Joint Task Force operatives dismantled multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Chibok, averting potential attacks on military convoys and civilians.

In Niger State, soldiers raided Awallah Village in Mariga LGA, recovering 95 cows, 37 calves, and 12 sheep rustled by terrorists. Forensic evidence at the site pointed to the elimination of high-value terror targets during an earlier airstrike.

Elsewhere, troops in Taraba, Delta, and Bayelsa arrested seven suspects linked to violent crimes. Among them was an associate of a wanted extremist kingpin captured in Wukari, Taraba.

In Delta’s Ughelli North LGA, joint operations with the Department of State Services (DSS) led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers. Meanwhile, in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa, a woman suspected of being a criminal informant was caught with a male accomplice carrying fake military IDs and contraband items.

Seized materials included mobile phones, locally made weapons, radios, narcotics, and military kits. Investigations are ongoing to trace other members of these networks.

“These sustained successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s determination to crush terror and restore peace to all communities,” the source stated.