The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide counterinsurgency operations, killing seven terrorists, arresting 27 suspects, and recovering arms, ammunition, and stolen crude oil in a series of coordinated strikes across multiple regions.
According to a military statement released via the Army’s official X account on Sunday, the operations were carried out within a 48-hour period under renewed directives from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who recently visited the North East Theatre to boost troops’ morale and reinvigorate ongoing counterterrorism campaigns.
“The operations have been relentless, and our troops continue to record significant breakthroughs against insurgents, bandits, and economic saboteurs,” the Army stated.
In Borno State, troops of Sector 3 under Operation HADIN KAI conducted a cordon-and-search mission in Anguwan Church, Monguno, where 12 individuals suspected to be members of Boko Haram’s logistics and intelligence networks were apprehended.
Similarly, troops of 192 Battalion ambushed fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, killing three terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle with ammunition.
In another engagement, troops of 25 Brigade, Damboa, neutralised a suspected terrorist who attempted to infiltrate their base while disguising as a civilian.
In the North West, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE raided a terrorist hideout in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing two insurgents linked to recent community attacks. Meanwhile, in Plateau State, four suspects were arrested in connection with the killing of two civilians in Riyom Local Government Area.
In the North Central zone, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops in Niger State eliminated a terrorist scout and seized a motorcycle, a mobile phone, and other operational equipment.
The Army also intensified anti-oil theft and anti-illegal mining operations in the South-South region.
In Akwa Ibom State, soldiers of 2 Brigade arrested three individuals involved in illegal black sand mining, while in Abia State, troops of 144 Battalion discovered an illegal refining site containing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similarly, 34 Artillery Brigade operatives in Imo State uncovered a local refinery at Ohaji/Egbema, recovering six drums of crude and a canoe used for transportation.
In Delta State, troops of 90 Amphibious Battalion arrested three suspects, including one found in fake military uniform, at a checkpoint in Sapele. Items seized included counterfeit military insignia, charms, and mobile phones. All suspects are currently being interrogated.
Security analysts have described the simultaneous offensives as evidence of a strategic shift in the Army’s operational posture under Lt. Gen. Shaibu — one that emphasises intelligence-led, proactive engagements aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and reclaiming ungoverned spaces.
A senior military source told The Legal Observer News that the era of reactive operations “is over,” adding that the Army has adopted a full-scale offensive strategy to “take the fight directly to the hideouts of criminal elements and cut off their logistics lines.”
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and protecting citizens, urging Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.
“The Nigerian Army remains unyielding in its resolve to protect citizens, restore lasting peace, and defend the sovereignty of the nation,” the statement concluded.
