Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized terrorists, foiled logistics operations and arrested key collaborators during clearance operations in the Northeast and Northwest regions.
The Army, in a statement on Thursday, February 28, 2025, said troops arrested a kidnap kingpin who specialized in kidnapping to finance terrorism in Zamfara State.
According to the statement, four Boko Haram family members surrendered to the troops in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
“In a sustained offensive against terrorism, troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified clearance operations across multiple theaters, dealing significant blows to terrorist elements in the Northeast and Northwest regions,” the statement read.
On 26 February 2025, troops in Sambisa Forest, overran terrorist positions in Iza and Garin Asmau villages of Bama local Government area of Borno state forcing the insurgents to abandon their hideouts in disarray.
During the operations, troops successfully detonated several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the fleeing terrorists.
The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 57 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) barrel, while four Boko Haram family members surrendered.
In Konduga Local Government Area, troops ambushed terrorists at a known crossing-point, neutralizing one, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Acting on fresh intelligence, troops launched another ambush at a key terrorist logistics hub in Gujuba Local Government Area, triggering an intense gun battle.
The sustained firepower compelled the terrorists to retreat into the bush in disarray. A thorough mop-up operation led to the discovery of a neutralized terrorist, two motorcycles, two AK-47 rifles and two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Further tightening the noose on terrorist collaborators, troops in Biu Local Government, Borno State, arrested two Boko Haram financiers specialized in selling rustled cattle to generate funds for insurgent activities.
In the Northwest, the troops recorded another breakthrough in counter-terrorism operations. In Kabaje village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops apprehended a notorious terrorist logistics supplier specialized in providing drugs to insurgents.
The suspect was caught in possession of various drugs, medical kits and a mobile phone containing the names of suspected terrorists on the security watchlist.
Similarly, in Nasarawa village, Bukuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops arrested a kidnap kingpin specialized in kidnapping to finance terrorism. Following his confession, another key accomplice was also apprehended.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate was behind the kidnapping of the Vice Chairman of Bukuyum Local Government Area on 24 February 2025.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, troops swiftly responded to reports of a herder’s murder and cattle rustling in Njogiri village, Bokkos Local Government Area, leading to the recovery of 57 stolen cows.
Commending the troops for their unwavering commitment, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reassured that adequate combat enablers will be provided to further enhance troops' operational effectiveness. He lauded members of the public for their unrelenting support.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to eradicate terrorism and restore security across the nation,” the statement added.
