The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide crackdown on terrorism, banditry, and oil theft, announcing major successes across multiple regions within the last two days.
In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the military confirmed that seven terrorists were killed, 27 suspects arrested, and large caches of weapons, ammunition, and stolen crude oil recovered in a series of coordinated operations.
The operations, conducted simultaneously across the North East, North West, North Central, and South-South zones, follow new directives from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who recently toured the North East Theatre to boost troop morale and reenergize counterterrorism efforts.
Major Breakthroughs Across Regions
In Borno State, troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI carried out a cordon-and-search mission in Anguwan Church, Monguno, arresting 12 suspected Boko Haram collaborators believed to be part of the group’s logistics and intelligence networks.
Similarly, 192 Battalion ambushed Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, killing three terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle and several rounds of ammunition.
Elsewhere, 25 Brigade, Damboa, neutralised a terrorist who attempted to infiltrate their position disguised as a civilian conducting reconnaissance.
ENDURING PEACE stormed a notorious hideout in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing two terrorists linked to recent community attacks.
Troops also arrested four suspects in Riyom LGA, Plateau State, over the killing of two civilians.
In Niger State, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, soldiers gunned down a terrorist scout and recovered a motorcycle, mobile phone, and other operational tools.
Crackdown on Oil Theft and Illegal Mining
In the South-South, the Army has expanded its fight against oil theft and illegal mining.
In Akwa Ibom, troops of 2 Brigade arrested three illegal miners trading black sand, while 144 Battalion discovered an illegal refinery in Abia State containing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similarly, 34 Artillery Brigade troops uncovered another refining camp in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, seizing six drums of crude and a canoe used for transportation.
In Sapele, Delta State, 90 Amphibious Battalion troops nabbed three suspects, including one in fake military uniform. Recovered items included counterfeit ranks, charms, and mobile phones.
A senior Army officer who spoke to iWitnessLive confirmed that the new operations represent a strategic shift under Lt. Gen. Shaibu’s leadership.
“The days of reactive operations are over. The Chief has ordered a full-scale offensive. We’re taking the fight to their hideouts and cutting off their logistics completely,” the officer said.
In its official statement, the Army reiterated its commitment to eliminating all threats to national security, calling on citizens to support ongoing operations with credible intelligence.
“The Nigerian Army remains unyielding in its resolve to protect citizens, restore lasting peace, and defend the sovereignty of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
Security analysts have described the latest wave of offensives as one of the most coordinated and aggressive military responses in recent months, signalling a renewed push to reclaim ungoverned territories and dismantle criminal networks across the country.
