Nigerian Army Arrests High-Value Terror Suspect, Recovers Arms in Nationwide Operations

 

The Nigerian Army has achieved major operational successes across several regions of the country in recent days, demonstrating its continued commitment to combating terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft, and other forms of criminal activity threatening national security. 

The operations, which took place between October 7 and 9, 2025, resulted in the arrest of a high-value terror suspect, the neutralization of several insurgents, recovery of sophisticated weapons and ammunition, and the surrender of terrorist fighters in multiple locations. These coordinated efforts have once again reinforced the army’s resolve to restore peace and stability across the nation.

In a significant breakthrough on October 7, 2025, troops of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) from the Port Harcourt Command, conducted a well-coordinated raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. During the operation, the troops arrested a high-value target identified as Emmanuel Akpan, a notorious kidnap kingpin known for his criminal operations along the Oron and Ibaka axis of the state.

 According to military sources, Akpan had been on the security watchlist for months following intelligence reports linking him to several high-profile abductions and violent crimes within the region. He was apprehended without incident and is currently in DSS custody for further interrogation and investigation to uncover details of his network and possible accomplices.

The following day, October 8, 2025, troops of the 196 Amphibious Battalion stationed in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, arrested an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) fighter who attempted to infiltrate the town. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been serving as a logistics and intelligence courier, operating between terrorist enclaves in Chad and Niger Republic. Intelligence gathered further indicated that the individual had infiltrated Nigerian territory with the intention of spying on troop movements under the pretense of surrendering. The suspect has since been handed over to the 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In another successful operation, troops of the 4 Demonstration Battalion manning a snap checkpoint along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Kaduna State intercepted two individuals conveying a large cache of ammunition. The suspects were found with 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones, and ₦27,000 in cash. Initial findings suggested that the ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi in Plateau State to Zamfara State, an area notorious for banditry and criminal activities. The interception of these materials dealt a heavy blow to criminal networks attempting to smuggle arms across the northern region. The suspects are currently assisting security agencies with information that could lead to the dismantling of broader criminal supply chains.

Meanwhile, in a further demonstration of sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves, three ISWAP and JAS fighters, including one female, voluntarily surrendered to troops of 68 Battalion stationed in Bosso, Niger State. The insurgents cited intense military pressure, lack of food supplies, and worsening living conditions in terrorist camps around the Tumbun Marcobina axis as their reasons for surrendering. The individuals, who were later identified as residents originally from Konduga and Jabilam, have been taken into custody for profiling and debriefing by military intelligence operatives. Their surrender is part of a broader trend of disillusioned insurgents laying down their arms as the Nigerian Army intensifies counter-terrorism operations across the North East.

Similarly, troops of 222 Battalion operating in Bazamri Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged terrorists in a heavy gun duel during a clearance patrol. The encounter forced the terrorists to flee, leaving behind their weapons and ammunition. During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition. The operation further degraded the terrorists’ capacity to launch attacks and demonstrated the army’s tactical efficiency in neutralizing threats within the region.

Beyond counter-terrorism efforts in the North East, the Nigerian Army has also intensified its operations against illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, and other criminal activities in the South-South and South-East regions. Troops operating in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau States recorded multiple successes during anti-oil theft operations. Several illegal refining sites were dismantled, and a significant quantity of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products was seized. In total, over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were recovered. Troops also confiscated several boats, vehicles, and other equipment used in the illicit transportation and refining of petroleum products. These items were destroyed in accordance with established military procedures aimed at denying economic saboteurs the means to continue their illegal operations.

Military authorities described these coordinated operations as part of a broader strategy to weaken criminal networks, protect critical national assets, and create safe environments for socio-economic development. By targeting criminal supply chains, the army continues to cut off funding sources and logistical lifelines that sustain insurgency and organized crime across different parts of the country.

According to defense sources, the Nigerian Army’s approach integrates intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement to ensure long-term stability. This model emphasizes the role of synergy between the army, other security agencies, and local stakeholders in achieving comprehensive security coverage. The arrest of high-profile targets, interception of arms, and voluntary surrender of insurgents are key indicators that the sustained military pressure is yielding tangible results.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens, protecting communities, and ensuring that peace and stability return to all parts of the country. It further called on citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security agencies in their operations. The army noted that the recent successes were made possible through credible intelligence provided by local residents and community informants who remain critical partners in the fight against insecurity.

As the nation continues to confront evolving security challenges, the Nigerian Army reiterated that it will remain resolute in defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and dismantling all forms of criminal networks that threaten public safety and economic progress. With the latest operations demonstrating increased coordination and intelligence effectiveness, the military’s sustained offensive across all theatres of operation marks another step forward in the ongoing effort to secure the nation and restore lasting peace across its Territories.