Troops nab arms dealer, foil Kidnapping activities in N/W, N/C

The Nigerian Army has apprehended a suspected arms dealer, rescue kidnap victim, and disrupted terrorist logistics networks in the last 24 hours.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Thursday, apprehended a suspected terrorist informant during an ambush at Ungwan Gombawa in Kontagora Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger.

He said the troops of 1 Brigade also apprehended an alleged major terrorist logistics supplier and arms dealer at Danjigba in Bukkuyum LGA.

According to him, preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to two coordinators in Anka LGA believed to store weapons sourced from Niger Republic.

“Troops recovered military uniforms, a helmet, boots, financial receipts totalling about ₦4 million and audio evidence relating to arms transactions.

“Troops responding to intelligence on the recent abduction of students of GGSS Maga in Kebbi State stormed a terrorist camp in Gando–Sunke Forest belonging to a kingpin known as Bello Kaura.

Read Also: COAS visits frontline troops in Zamfara 

“The attackers fled, abandoning the location as troops destroyed the camp and support facilities,” he said.

The source said that another suspected informant travelling from Sokoto was apprehended at Augie, with troops recovering five ATM cards, clothing and ₦78,900.

He said the troops also survived an ambush along the Kaiga–Mara road in Katsina State, forcing the attackers to flee.

“Another operation in Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs led to a firefight during which troops captured two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and two motorcycles.

“Under Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau, troops foiled a kidnap attempt in Jos South, rescuing a victim who sustained gunshot wounds.

“Eight suspected criminal herders were also arrested in a separate raid in the same Local Government Area.

The source also revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke responded to a road incident in Nasarawa, where three passengers were kidnapped and the driver injured, adding that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing.

According to him, troops also arrested two herders destroying crops in Guma LGA of Benue.

He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, recently undertook operational visits to Borno, Kaduna and Zamfara, where he assessed ongoing operations and urged troops to sustain discipline, alertness and the fight against terrorism.

(NAN) 

COAS visits frontline troops in Zamfara 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, has arrived at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansa Yamma (OPFY), Zamfara, as part of his ongoing operational tour of frontline formations.

The army chief was received by senior commanders of the OPFY and was accorded the usual military ceremonial salute by the Guard of Honour.

Read Also: Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba

He was accompanied by senior officers, including representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff, among other top military officers.

Shu’aibu, who proceeded into a meeting with the OPFY commanders, is expected to address officers and men of the command before his departure.

(NAN)

Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered one AK-47 rifle and ammunition in Taraba.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Kalingo by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the 6 Brigade.

According to him, acting on credible intelligence, on  November 12, 2025, troops conducted a raid operation at Shagada Village under Namnai Ward in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba that led to the arrest of a suspected gun-runner.

“The suspect is identified as Mr Abdulmudallabi Audu, aged 25, who was found in possession of arms and ammunition.

Read Also: Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

“Items recovered from the suspect include; One (1) AK-47 rifle, Two (2) AK-47 magazines, Fifty-three (53) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”

He said the suspect and the recovered exhibits were currently in the custody of 6 Brigade Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, has commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift response to actionable intelligence.

Uwa reiterated the brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations across Taraba  to ensure peace, security, and the protection of law-abiding citizens within the North East and adjoining regions.

Uwa also urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace in the state.

(NAN)

Troops rescue 86 victims, nab 29 terror suspects in Borno

Troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 86 kidnapped victims and foiled a terrorists’ ambush during coordinated operations in Borno.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by the Media Information Officer for OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.

Uba said the troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2, OPHK, encountered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura on Sunday while responding to reports of abductions along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.

He said the troops engaged the insurgents, pursued them towards Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter that led to the destruction of 11 makeshift terrorists’ structures.

According to him eight victims, including men, women, and children, were rescued in the operation.

Read Also: Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

“Recovered items include an AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. The terrorists’ camp was destroyed after clearance operations,” he said.

Uba said that troops deployed at Mangada also apprehended 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria area of Borno.

He said suspects were nabbed with two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol, engine oil, new gun truck tyres, medical consumables, and large quantities of foodstuff.

According to him, the Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism and urged them to sustain the tempo to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East theatre. (NAN)

Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims, nab key terrorists’ collaborators – Army

Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have in the last 24 hours, rescued no fewer than 23 kidnap victims, apprehended key terror collaborators and destroyed illegal oil refineries in different parts of the country.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops had sustained momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations nationwide.

In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI apprehended three Chadian nationals at Gamboru Motor Park in Ngala, Borno, with 12 Starlink internet devices and a solar battery suspected to be logistics meant for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

Also in Yobe, the source said the troops of 233 Battalion intercepted a tricycle conveying fuel and other supplies for insurgents.

According to him, troops of 222 Battalion under 21 Special Armoured Brigade repelled an ambush in Konduga, killing one terrorist and recovering a dane gun.

Read Also: Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

In the North Central, he said the troops under Operations Mesa and Whirl Stroke recorded major breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers at Akuna village in Kogi.

According to him, a combined team of troops and security agencies rescued 23 kidnap victims, including four Chinese nationals, from terrorists’ enclaves in Chigogo Hills, Kwara.

“Troops also foiled a kidnap attempt along the Chikara–Abaji road, rescuing one victim and evacuating two others with injuries, while two suspected terrorist leaders were arrested in Shendam, Plateau.

“In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA raided a hotel in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, believed to be a kidnappers’ den.

“Two men claiming to be police officers were caught with two AK-47 rifles, 58 rounds of ammunition, and other items.

“Four hotel staff were also taken into custody,” he said.

In the Niger Delta, the sources said the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed illegal refining sites in Delta and Rivers States.

“At Ughoton in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta, troops seized 775 litres of illegally refined diesel hidden in a hotel and arrested the manager.

“Another 150 litres of kerosene was intercepted from suspected bunkerers in Rivers State, who have been handed to the NSCDC,” he added.

(NAN) 

Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

The troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade, have neutralised six terrorists in Sokoto State and recovered weapons.

Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, said this in a statement in Gusau on Thursday.

“On Jan 11, the troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade conducted a coordinated offensive operations against Lakurawa terrorists and made contact in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Read Also: LASTMA rescued 1,075 from road crashes in 2024 – GM

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralised six terrorists and recovered four AK47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and a box of 12.7mm ammo among others.

“Sadly, the operation resulted in the loss of 5 gallant soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Abdullahi said.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to terrorists’ activity in the area and surrounding areas to military and security forces.

“We expect more cooperation from community members, because it is crucial in maintaining safety and security of our communities,” he said.

(NAN)