The Nigerian Army has recorded strings of operational successes between June 25 and 26, 2025 in it renewed fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.
A statement by the Defence Headquarters said in a series of coordinated offensives across multiple theatres, troops recovered large caches of ammunition, neutralized several terrorists, and arrested suspects involved in aiding criminal networks.
In the North East, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, while on a perimeter patrol in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, uncovered a significant arms cache along a known ISWAP/JAS withdrawal route. The operation led to the recovery of 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two 40mm RPG bombs.
Similarly, soldiers from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade raided terrorist hideouts in Bama LGA, neutralizing three insurgents, seizing a Dane gun, and destroying enemy life-support structures.
In Monguno, Borno State, troops intercepted a vehicle where one suspect was arrested, and 65 litres of petrol, bags of foodstuff, NPK fertilizer, solar equipment, and 2,000 empty cement bags believed to be intended for terrorists were recovered.
Also in the North West, troops of the 2 Battalion in Kaduna State, while on escort duty in Birnin Gwari, recovered an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition following an encounter with armed men. In Zamfara, a notorious terrorist kingpin known as "Mai Dada" was neutralized during a counter-offensive in Maru LGA by troops of the 1 Brigade. In Edo State, security forces apprehended a suspect in Etsako Central LGA, recovering a pump-action gun and several cutlasses.
The Nigerian Army also revealed that in Plateau State, the Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN carried out raids in several communities in Bokkos LGA, including Tangur, Kwakas, and Horop, recovering a Dane gun abandoned by criminals during the operation.
Meanwhile, in the North Central region, it said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a reported kidnapping attempt on the Peykia-Wukari road in Ukum LGA, Benue State. Following a gunfight, the kidnappers fled, and five passengers were rescued. A vehicle was also recovered.
In the South-South region, troops from the 5 Battalion stationed in Otueke, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, arrested two suspects in possession of locally made pistols and a round of 9mm ammunition.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and dismantling criminal networks across the country, urging continued cooperation from local communities in the fight against insecurity.