The Nigerian Army has arrested more than 20 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements during coordinated nationwide operations carried out within the last 24 hours as part of intensified counterterrorism efforts.
According to an operational update released from Army Headquarters in Abuja, the arrests were made through intelligence-driven raids conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local security groups. The operations targeted terrorist hideouts, kidnapping networks, and other criminal gangs across several parts of the country.
In Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade, working alongside police officers and vigilantes, carried out raids in Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu communities, leading to the arrest of two suspected terrorists. Items recovered included motorcycles and chainsaw machines.
In Kaduna State, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested a suspected terrorist in Afaka, who reportedly admitted to leaving a terrorist camp following internal conflicts among the group’s leaders.
In Sokoto State, military personnel cleared several communities in Tangaza Local Government Area, destroying a terrorist camp and recovering camouflage clothing items. During operations in Niger State, troops also rescued a Nigerien national who had been held captive for over three weeks and dismantled additional terrorist structures, including improvised explosive devices and illegal mining sites.
Further rescue operations were recorded in Kwara State, where troops forced armed groups to abandon three kidnapped victims. In Edo State, soldiers responded to distress calls, rescued victims, arrested five suspected kidnappers, and recovered firearms and ammunition.
In Delta State, a suspected member of an outlawed group was arrested, while in the South-South region, troops carried out raids on drug trafficking locations in Akwa Ibom State, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of various narcotics and cash.
In Rivers State, illegal oil bunkering facilities were dismantled, with equipment and stolen petroleum products recovered. Similar security operations in Plateau State led to arrests and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and cash.
In Abia State, troops also discovered suspected stolen crude oil concealed within the Imo River axis, further highlighting ongoing illegal economic activities in the region.
The military described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks, rescue kidnapped victims, and restore security across affected regions.
