The Nigerian Army has announced significant victories in its ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality, with eight terrorists neutralized and 51 suspects apprehended during coordinated operations across the country from November 29 to December 1, 2025. Troops also rescued 27 victims and recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other illicit items.
In the North East, specifically Borno State, soldiers from the 151, 152, and 192 Task Force Battalions eliminated four ISWAP/JAS terrorists during ambush and clearance missions. They recovered three AK-47 rifles, multiple magazines with assorted ammunition, an AK-47 working part, and a Baofeng radio while thwarting infiltration attempts near Chibok.
Operations in Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, and Delta States under Operations Whirl Stroke and Enduring Peace led to the rescue of 20 victims, including women and children.
Troops arrested suspects involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, extremism, illegal mining, cultism, and gunrunning. In Taraba State, four violent extremists were killed in Karim Lamido, with recoveries including a fabricated AK-47, Dane guns, ammunition, and motorcycles. Additionally, 76 rustled cattle were recovered in Plateau and returned to owners.
In the South-South region, joint efforts with the NDLEA resulted in 25 drug suspects arrested in Bayelsa and Rivers States. An illegal oil refining site containing 1,000 liters of stolen crude was dismantled. In Kaduna State, troops intercepted vehicles carrying 5,000 kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000 meters of cordtex fuse, detonators, and connecting wire, sparking further investigations.
A major breakthrough included the arrest of notorious gunrunner Shuaibu Isah, alias Alhaji, who attempted to acquire 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The Army reaffirms its dedication to protecting Nigerians and eliminating safe havens for criminals and terrorists.