The Nigerian Army has carried out a series of successful operations across different parts of the country, neutralizing terrorists, rescuing captives, and recovering a large cache of weapons. Among those killed was Abba Alai, also known as Amirul Khahid of Alafa, a high-profile terrorist commander who had long been on security watchlists.
The military offensives took place in Bama and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State. Acting on intelligence reports, troops launched a coordinated attack on a fortified terrorist stronghold where insurgents were planning fresh attacks. The battle lasted for several hours, with troops overpowering the terrorists and forcing them to flee in disarray. In the aftermath, a massive stockpile of weapons was recovered, including 11 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, an anti-aircraft gun, machine guns, and other military-grade equipment.
During a separate operation in Gwoza, soldiers intercepted fleeing terrorists near Gobara village. A search of the area led to the discovery of more weapons, including AK-47 magazines, a locally fabricated firearm, and prototype weapons suspected to be used for training insurgents. In a significant breakthrough, troops rescued an elderly woman who had been held hostage by the terrorists for a decade.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, troops successfully freed 10 captives—seven women and three children—after a high-ranking terrorist commander surrendered. The militant also handed over two AK-47 rifles, signaling his decision to abandon armed violence.
In another operation in Chibok, Borno State, troops stormed a well-known kidnappers’ hideout in Shirkaki village, capturing a prime suspect who had been under surveillance for a long time. The raid led to the recovery of more weapons, including AK-47 rifles, a pump-action shotgun, and several rounds of ammunition.
The military’s efforts also extended to Niger, Zamfara, and Kwara States, where troops engaged terrorists in intense battles, forcing them to abandon their weapons and flee. In Niger, troops recovered 36 motorcycles used by insurgents, while in Kwara, a known kidnappers’ camp in Karunji village was raided, leading to the recovery of locally made firearms and the rescue of captives.
In the South-South region, security forces achieved another major success with the arrest of Ekene Ifeanyi, a high-ranking commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). He was captured in his hideout in Issele Asagba Forest, Delta State. Security sources confirmed that he had played a key role in establishing IPOB/ESN terrorist cells in the region.
Following these successful operations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their bravery and dedication. He assured them that their welfare would remain a top priority and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and other forms of criminality in the country.
