Abuja, September 17, 2025
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops killed three notorious terrorist commanders and 16 other fighters in recent counter-terrorism operations across the North East and other theatres of operation.
A military source at Army Headquarters told newsmen that the slain commanders were identified as Modu Dogo (Munzir of Dogon Chukun), another unnamed Munzir, and Abu Aisha Qaid of Tumbun Mota.
The source disclosed that troops also arrested 26 suspects, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered 109 rustled cattle, alongside assorted weapons and logistics supplies.
He explained that the commanders were neutralised during fierce clashes in Borno and Adamawa States following intense engagements with troops.
According to him, recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an anti-aircraft link, 14 motorcycles, seven blankets, and a mobile phone.
The source further revealed that a terrorist informant and logistics supplier, who had secretly aided terrorists for more than four years, was captured around Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.
In the North West, he said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued two kidnapped victims in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
He added that troops also conducted patrols in Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, where they recovered cash, phones, and other items, disrupting terrorist networks and preventing fresh attacks on rural communities.
“In the North Central, troops of Operation MESA arrested a suspected kidnapper in Yagba Local Government Area of Kogi.
“The suspect was neutralized while attempting to escape from custody,” he said.
The source noted that troops also ambushed kidnappers along the Okehi–Kabba forest axis, killing two terrorists while others escaped with injuries.
He added that troops neutralised a violent extremist identified as a spiritualist in Lokoja.
The military source further disclosed that troops of Operation Ensuring Peace eliminated insurgents in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau following the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler.
“In Kanam Local Government Area, troops intercepted criminals who rustled 109 cattle.
“The extremists fled, abandoning the livestock, which were recovered and returned to the rightful owner,” he added.
He said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also eliminated two insurgents and armed robbers, recovering weapons during operations in Benue and Taraba States.
In the South East, the source revealed that troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended a high-profile IPOB/ESN operative, Akachukwu Alaka, also known as Akanna.
He said the suspect was captured during a sting operation in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday.
According to him, troops also raided the hideout of another notorious IPOB/ESN commander, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo, in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The source said the criminals fled before troops arrived, but a pistol, 145 rounds of ammunition, six phones, police and army uniforms, and a Biafran insignia were recovered.
“Further exploitation uncovered a criminal workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for sale.
“Troops destroyed the facility and burnt 10 motorcycles used by the criminals in various attacks.
“Troops also neutralized two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by IPOB/ESN elements in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo.
“The devices were destroyed without any casualties recorded.”
In the South South, the source said troops of Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with the NDLEA, arrested 21 drug suspects in Bayelsa State.
He said large quantities of illicit substances were recovered during the raid.
According to him, troops also uncovered illegal refineries in Rivers State, apprehended two suspected bunker operators, killed one other, and destroyed several dugout pits filled with refined petroleum products.
He added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, urging them to sustain operational momentum until terrorism and criminality are defeated. GMTNewsng
Source: (NAN)
