Army

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Armed Forces have reportedly killed more than 50 suspected terrorists, apprehended several criminal suspects and rescued dozens of kidnapped persons during coordinated security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The operations, conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026, targeted terrorist groups, bandits, kidnappers, gunrunners and individuals suspected of providing support to criminal networks.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in a statement issued on November 6 and signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.

According to the statement, troops sustained offensives across various theatres of operation to weaken armed groups, disrupt their sources of supplies and improve security.

North-East: Troops repel attacks, recover weapons

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI repelled attacks on Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said troops launched a counteroffensive following an attempted terrorist attack on Buni Yadi from the Timbuktu Triangle axis on October 29.

Clearance operations carried out the following day reportedly resulted in the recovery of 48 bodies of suspected terrorists, 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, one 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.

Further operations around Apama and Jauro Bashir on October 31 led to the recovery of three additional bodies, an AK-47 rifle and 188 rounds of ammunition.

At Bitta, troops also thwarted an attempt by terrorists to infiltrate their position. They recovered seven bodies, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.

The Defence Headquarters also reported that 12 terrorists and members of their families surrendered at different locations in Borno and Yobe states between November 2 and 4. The locations included New Abaram Resettlement Village and Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area.

Some of those who surrendered reportedly cited sustained military pressure and disagreements between rival Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions.

Troops also rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains.

North-West: Several abductees regain freedom

In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA personnel recorded a number of successes in rescue and arrest operations.

In Kebbi State, troops responding to a distress call near Ribah in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area forced kidnappers to abandon seven captives.

Four other persons abducted from their farms were rescued after troops repelled an ambush along the Wasagu-Falfala Road.

Search-and-rescue operations conducted on November 3 also led to the freedom of seven kidnapped persons from Sabon Tunga and Binoni communities in Kebbi State.

In Kaduna State, troops arrested two suspects allegedly connected to kidnapping and cattle rustling at Sabon Gida in Chikun Local Government Area.

Another suspected terrorist was arrested at a clinic in Kagarko Local Government Area while reportedly seeking medical attention for gunshot injuries. The operation was conducted with support from the Department of State Services.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted a suspected terrorist during a stop-and-search operation at Kukawa Village in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State on November 4.

The suspect was allegedly found carrying an AK-47 magazine and one round of 7.62mm special ammunition. Preliminary investigations reportedly connected him to a criminal syndicate allegedly headed by an individual known as Kaura.

North-Central: Forest raids yield weapons and ammunition

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified operations against armed groups and kidnapping networks in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.

During a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Edimogbo Forest on November 2, troops recovered 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles and a mobile phone.

Two suspected kidnappers were later killed in a separate encounter, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

On November 4, another operation at Obele Forest resulted in the killing of three suspected kidnappers. The military said troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three bandoliers.

In Taraba State, six civilians, including a baby, were rescued after troops responded to a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

The military also announced the arrest of a suspected member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Takum Local Government Area on November 1.

In Kogi State, a suspected terrorist surrendered alongside his wife and two children at Atsawa in Lokoja Local Government Area. He reportedly handed over an AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition and a radio.

Troops also apprehended a suspected logistics supplier accused of providing materials to terrorists operating in Agbaja Forest. In a separate operation, a suspected gunrunner was arrested in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

In Kwara State, troops working with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria ambushed suspected Ansaru terrorists at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area on November 4, killing two of them.

An injured suspected kidnapper was also arrested at Dusai Village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Additionally, three persons who escaped from captivity in Lema-Ndeji Forest, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, were rescued by troops.

South-East: Kidnap victim rescued, weapons recovered

In the South-East, troops operating under Operation UDO KA recorded security breakthroughs in Abia and Anambra states.

In Abia, troops rescued a kidnapping victim following a gunmen’s attack on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area on November 4.

In Anambra State, a search conducted at a shop near the Marine Outpost in Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, led to the discovery of a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges suspected to have been hidden for criminal purposes.

Defence chief urges public cooperation

The Defence Headquarters said the operations formed part of the military’s broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks, cut off their supply routes and protect communities across Nigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended the troops for their commitment and sacrifices in the ongoing operations.

He also paid tribute to an officer, a soldier and a civilian hunter who died in the line of duty, while wishing injured personnel a speedy recovery.

Oluyede called for closer collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to sustain the progress recorded.

He urged members of the public to report credible information about suspicious activities to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free emergency number 193.

The Defence Chief cautioned Nigerians against providing logistical support to criminal groups, resorting to mob action or circulating misinformation capable of undermining security efforts.

He further directed military personnel to maintain discipline, vigilance and combat readiness, assuring that the Armed Forces would sustain their operations until peace and stability were restored across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Acting Commander of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Colonel Joseph Umaru, has ordered commanders and troops under the brigade’s area of responsibility in Kebbi State to step up intelligence-led operations against bandits and other criminal groups.

Umaru issued the directive during a familiarisation tour of military units across the state between September 8 and 9, 2026.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a post on its official X account on Thursday.

The commander called on the troops to improve intelligence gathering and information sharing while strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies, local authorities and other stakeholders.

He said such cooperation would help restrict the activities of criminals and prevent them from operating freely within the state.

Umaru also directed commanders to maintain coordinated and proactive operations. He reminded the troops to remain professional, comply strictly with the rules of engagement and protect civilians during their operations.

The Acting Brigade Commander further highlighted the need to prioritise the welfare, motivation, training and professional development of personnel.

He urged commanders to embrace the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldiers First” mantra.

Umaru said properly led, motivated and equipped troops would be in a stronger position to maintain operational pressure and successfully carry out their assigned responsibilities.

As part of the tour, he reviewed the operational readiness of formations under the brigade and examined the challenges affecting their operations.

The units visited included the 223 Light Tank Battalion in Zuru, the COAS Intervention Battalion III in Sakaba and 1 Battalion in Birnin Kebbi.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has disowned a fake recruitment advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, which invites applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the advertisement as fraudulent. She said it did not originate from the Nigerian Army.

The Army urged members of the public to ignore the fake notice. It also advised prospective applicants not to submit applications through, patronise or make payments to any individual, group or website claiming to recruit on behalf of the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, all recruitment and commissioning exercises conducted by the Army are free, transparent and based strictly on merit. It stressed that official recruitment announcements are published only through national newspapers, the Nigerian Army’s verified social media platforms and other recognised official communication channels.

The Army further stated that no recruitment form is sold and that no individual or agent has been authorised to facilitate enlistment or collect money from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process.

It warned those responsible for creating and circulating the fake advertisement to stop immediately. The statement disclosed that security agencies have commenced efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone connected to the fraudulent scheme.

The Army also warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its recruitment process and advised Nigerians to verify all recruitment information only through official Nigerian Army channels. The public was also encouraged to report any suspicious recruitment activities to the nearest military formation or security agency.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A joint security team has rescued three kidnapped victims and killed two suspected terrorists in a fierce gun battle in Edo State, dealing a major blow to a criminal gang that had been terrorising the Ambrose Alli University community.

The operation, launched on Monday following a distress call about a kidnapping on the university campus, saw soldiers from the Nigerian Army working alongside police officers and local vigilantes in a high-speed chase that led them deep into a forest hideout in Esan Local Government Area.

According to military sources, the security forces cornered the abductors at their camp, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire. The troops’ overwhelming firepower neutralised two of the gunmen and sent the rest of the gang scattering in panic, forcing them to flee without their captives. All three victims were found unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

Recovered from the scene were three AK-47 rifles, thirty-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three mobile phones, and two power banks. Authorities have taken custody of the items while tracking teams pursue the fleeing suspects.

The Nigerian Army has reiterated its resolve to sustain pressure on criminal networks, calling on residents to volunteer intelligence on suspicious movements and hideouts. “We will not relent until every part of Edo State is rid of these elements,” a military spokesman assured, urging citizens to go about their daily activities without fear.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 7 of the Nigerian Army have intercepted suspected arms traffickers and recovered seven illegal firearms during an operation in Kaduna State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on Monday. He said the operation took place at the Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.

According to him, the troops carried out a targeted stop-and-search operation at about 9:40 a.m. after receiving intelligence that illegal weapons were being transported from Jos in Plateau State to Niger State.

Makama said security personnel were informed that suspected arms traffickers were conveying the weapons in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

He added that the troops identified the vehicle based on the intelligence, tracked its movement and intercepted it at the Samaru checkpoint.

The operation led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of seven illegal firearms, which were allegedly destined for bandits.

Security authorities have yet to release the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the ongoing investigation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have intercepted a large cache of illegal weapons during a targeted operation at a checkpoint in Kaduna State, dealing a blow to a suspected arms trafficking network.

Acting on intelligence about weapons being moved from Jos to Niger State, soldiers stopped an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday. A search of the vehicle uncovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs) carefully hidden inside.

One suspect attempted to flee the scene and was shot by troops during the escape attempt. He is currently receiving medical treatment at the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the weapons were supplied by two suspected dealers based in Jos and were destined for a recipient in Niger State.

The Nigerian Army described the seizure as a testament to its resolve to curb arms proliferation and dismantle criminal networks. Authorities have called on the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies to help track criminal activities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The rescue operation, conducted under the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, was launched after intelligence reports confirmed the abduction of the retired senior officer’s wife and other family members.

Military sources told Zagazola that troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission. The armed group came under heavy military pressure and fled the scene.

“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding, we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” a military source said.

The victim was immediately stabilized by troops before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.

Military authorities have since intensified follow-up operations in the area, with troops maintaining a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins linked to the attack and abduction.

Security sources assured that the ongoing clearance operation under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue until all criminal hideouts are dismantled. The military remains committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they face justice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Reports have emerged that retired General Rabe Abubakar, former spokesman for the Nigerian military, and his wife have been abducted by armed bandits. Sources indicate the couple is urgently appealing for help as they remain in the hands of their captors.

The incident has sparked widespread concern and public outcry, with many expressing shock and fear that a senior military officer could fall victim to kidnapping within the country.

Security analysts say the development underscores the need to review the nation’s security framework and intensify efforts to protect lives and property without further delay.

Citizens are continuing to urge the government and security agencies to take immediate action to secure the victims’ release and bring an end to the growing insecurity across the nation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a 25-year-old woman, Nafisa Usman, for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits operating in Katsina State.

The suspect was apprehended at a major motor park in Kano after purchasing a fresh batch of ammunition from Nasarawa State, intended for delivery to Kankara in Katsina State.

According to DSS sources, Usman, a native of Zango village in Kankara Local Government Area, was intercepted with 200 rounds of newly manufactured ammunition cleverly concealed inside bags of garri and rice.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed that she sourced the ammunition from Lafia, Nasarawa State, and transported it to Unguwa Uku Motor Park in Kano before arranging onward delivery to Katsina. She admitted that the ammunition was destined for bandits hiding in the Kankara forest.

Usman disclosed that she had been active in the illegal trade for only two months. She named an individual identified as “Teso,” who allegedly works with a soldier in Lafia, as her supplier.

She further revealed that she delivered ammunition to a bandit leader known as Mallam Haruna, operating within the Kankara forest. According to her, Haruna was introduced to her by a livestock trader named Sulaiman, based in Kano.

The suspect claimed to have conducted transactions worth approximately ₦5 million within two months, supplying ammunition not only to Haruna but also to other bandits identified as Buba and Abu, who are believed to be active in the same forest.

Expressing deep regret, Usman said her illicit activities had now been exposed. She is currently in DSS custody as investigations continue.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have disrupted an attempt by suspected criminals to siphon diesel from equipment belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited in Akwa Ibom State.

This is contained in a statement signed by Lawal Bala Muhammad, a Captain and Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom, on March 27, 2026.

The incident occurred at Ukpe Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area after soldiers acted on intelligence about illegal activities around the company’s facility. The troops moved to the location and carried out an operation that led to the arrest of a driver who was transporting the stolen products.

Sources said the situation took a dramatic turn when the troops attempted to return the suspect and recovered items to the company for further questioning. Some youths in the area blocked the road in a bid to free the suspect. They attacked the soldiers with stones and bottles despite efforts by the troops to maintain calm.

The army personnel fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. The action did not bring the situation under control. The confrontation intensified and forced the troops to identify and neutralise the ringleader, who was shot in the leg. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment.

The unrest escalated as the youths reportedly vandalised vehicles, harassed commuters, and attacked trucks belonging to the company along the route.

Reinforcements were later deployed from the Brigade to restore order. After the crowd was dispersed, troops carried out further checks in the area. During the operation, they discovered an unidentified corpse placed beside a coffin. Security personnel moved the body to a mortuary with support from the Nigeria Police Force.

The army said troops have remained in the area to secure the company’s assets and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

In the statement, the military authorities appreciated members of the public for their cooperation. They also assured residents of their resolve to protect lives and property across the state. The public was urged to share useful information with security agencies as investigations continue.