Army Arrests High-Profile Terrorist On A Major Operation

In a significant operation carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army across multiple theatres of operations within the last few days, a highly valued terrorist has been arrested while others neutralized and recovery of arms and ammunition took place.

It was learnt that some insurgents also surrendered in the process.

According to the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Lt Col Appolonia Anele in Abuja explained that a coordinated operation on 7th October 2025, troops of 2 Brigade in collaboration with Department of State Services (DSS) operatives from Port Harcourt Command raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

During the raid, a high-valued target identified as Emmanuel Akpan, a notorious kidnap kingpin operating along the Oron/Ibaka axis, was arrested. She added that the suspect is currently in DSS custody undergoing investigation.

Similarly, on 8th October 2025, troops of 196 Amphibious Battalion at Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State arrested an ISWAP/JAS terrorist fighter while attempting to infiltrate the town.

According to preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect served as a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist enclaves in Chad and Niger Republic, with the intent to spy on troop movements under the guise of a surrendering fighter.

It was gathered that the suspect has been handed over to 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation.

In another development, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion on a snap checkpoint along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Kaduna State, intercepted two suspects conveying 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones and ₦27,000 cash.

Initial investigations revealed that the ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi, Plateau State, to Zamfara State.

Meanwhile, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a female, voluntarily surrendered to 68 Battalion troops at Bosso, Niger State, citing intense military pressure and hardship in terrorist enclaves around the Tumbun Marcobina axis. The suspects, originally from Konduga and Jabilam, have been profiled for further debriefing.

In addition to other numerous arrest, troops of 222 Battalion at Bazamri Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to flee and recovering two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition during exploitation operations.

Across other regions, troops arrested multiple criminal suspects, recovered illegal arms, dismantled illegal refining sites and intercepted stolen crude oil and petroleum products in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi and Plateau States.

In the course of anti-oil theft operations, troops recovered over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, seized several boats and vehicles used for transporting illicit petroleum products and destroyed multiple illegal refining ovens and equipment in line with established directives.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding law-abiding citizens, protect communities and create secure conditions economic growth.