Nigerian Army Smashes Terror Networks: 8 Killed, 51 Arrested, 27 Rescued in Nationwide Raids

A sweeping series of military operations across Nigeria has led to the deaths of eight terror suspects, the arrest of 51 others, and the rescue of 27 kidnapped victims, the Nigerian Army announced on Tuesday.

The coordinated raids, carried out between 29 November and 1 December, targeted terror cells, bandit groups, illegal miners, drug syndicates and gunrunners operating in multiple states.

Major Operations in the North-East

Troops from the 151, 152 and 192 Battalions engaged ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) fighters in Borno State, killing four militants during ambush and clearance missions. Soldiers also recovered AK-47 rifles, ammunition, magazines and communication equipment, while thwarting infiltration attempts around Chibok.

Kidnap Victims Rescued Across the North-Central Region

Under Operations Whirl Stroke and Enduring Peace, troops rescued 20 abducted persons — including women and a child — in Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna and Delta States. Security personnel also recovered 76 rustled cattle in Plateau.

Suspected kidnappers, extremist collaborators, illegal miners, cult members and a notorious gunrunner were among the 51 suspects arrested nationwide.

South-South Operations and Major Seizures

Joint Army–NDLEA operations led to the arrest of 25 drug suspects in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

Troops dismantled an illegal oil refining camp containing 1,000 litres of stolen crude. In Kaduna, operatives intercepted vehicles loaded with 5,000 kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000 metres of cordtex fuse, electric detonators and other materials.

The Army also confirmed the capture of a well-known arms trafficker, Shuaibu Isah — widely called “Alhaji” — apprehended while attempting to take delivery of 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

Military Reaffirms Commitment

The Nigerian Army said the latest operations demonstrate its resolve to “crush criminal networks” and reinforce national security as communities grapple with rising threats from terror groups and violent gangs.