Rescue hostages in nationwide operations
In series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across multiple regions of the country, troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major victories against terrorists, insurgents, and criminal networks between October 8 and 11, 2025.
The operations led to the neutralization of at least 26 terrorists and criminal elements, arrest of 22 suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms, ammunition, and logistics items.
According to a statement by Army authorities, the operations were conducted simultaneously across the South East, North East, North West, North Central, and South-South regions, yielding substantial results.
In the South East, troops of Sector 2 Operation UDO KA tracked down and neutralized a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Alhaji at his hideout in Ezza-Eyimaggu, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The wanted militant was reportedly killed after attempting to disarm a soldier during his arrest. Similarly, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade on patrol in Mbaotoli LGA, Imo State, discovered and destroyed an IPOB/ESN shrine believed to be used for indoctrination and planning criminal activities.
In the North East, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged ISWAP and JAS terrorists along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis in Borno State, killing four terrorists and rescuing two civilians who had been held hostage. Troops also recovered over ₦4.3 million and two new mobile phones previously seized by the terrorists. In a separate encounter, troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri neutralized five insurgents and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a dagger.
