Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja
In a sweeping offensive across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of a notorious terror leader, Kachalla Maidawa, alongside 35 other insurgents, during coordinated operations conducted between September 29 and October 4.
A reliable military source at Army Headquarters revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations not only dismantled terror cells but also led to the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims, the arrest of 32 suspects, and the seizure of large caches of arms, ammunition, and logistics supplies.
One of the most decisive actions took place in Kogi State, where troops under Operation Egwu Eke Atite III — in joint efforts with the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police, and Hybrid Forces — foiled an imminent attack on Isanlu, Yagba West LGA.
In a fierce gun battle, troops neutralised more than a dozen militants, including the feared Maidawa, said to be behind a series of violent attacks across Kogi and parts of Kwara State.
> “Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket and mobile phones,” the source disclosed.
In Kebbi State, soldiers from 1 Brigade ambushed insurgents along the Salka–Kinke–Makurdi road in Ngaski LGA, killing two, rescuing eight hostages, and recovering seven AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition, and two motorcycles.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, troops from the 11 Field Engineer Regiment and CSI Battalion disrupted a ransom exchange involving brand-new motorcycles worth ₦3 million.
The incident occurred between Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs, where five hostages were freed and several bandits neutralised.
Two suspected kidnappers were later arrested at Damakasuwa checkpoint, Zangon Kataf LGA, with ₦1.3 million in cash, believed to be ransom proceeds.
> “During a follow-up raid, two accomplices attempting to flee were also neutralised,” the source added.
In the insurgency-plagued North-East, troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion laid an ambush at Dipchari in Bama LGA, killing five ISWAP/JAS fighters.
In related operations, personnel from the 3 Battalion and 24 Task Force Brigade intercepted logistics and drug couriers along the Gamboru–Wulgo axis, while a separate raid in Monguno led to 12 arrests — including a known ISWAP tax collector.
In the South-East, troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation Udo Ka stormed hideouts linked to the proscribed IPOB/ESN in Abia and Imo States. Key suspects were arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of the Vice-Chancellor of Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo.
> “Troops also eliminated a known ESN combatant and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 14 rounds of ammunition,” the source said.
Elsewhere in the South-South, troops under Operation Delta Safe dismantled multiple illegal crude oil refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude. With the support of the NDLEA, 14 suspected drug traffickers were also apprehended.
The military source emphasized that the string of operations reflects the Nigerian Army’s enhanced combat readiness and commitment to intelligence-driven security actions.
> “These operations reaffirm the military’s resolve to restore peace, safeguard citizens, and strengthen national security,” he said.
“Our troops remain focused on securing the environment for agriculture, commerce, and economic growth in line with the Federal Government’s food security and development goals.”
NAN
