Between September 19 and 22, 2025, Nigerian Army forces conducted extensive operations nationwide, successfully eliminating numerous terrorists, detaining more than 20 criminal suspects, and liberating several kidnapping victims.
During these missions, troops seized a substantial arsenal including at least 10 AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, five RPG explosives, 36 hand grenades, five AK-47 magazines, and over 700 rounds of various ammunition. Additionally, they confiscated explosives, military uniforms, 39 motorcycles, 32 bicycles, significant quantities of narcotics and chemicals, as well as vehicles and illegally refined petroleum products.
Military officials confirmed that these coordinated efforts led to the dismantling of terrorist cells, apprehension of multiple suspects, rescue of abductees, and recovery of critical weapons and logistical supplies.
In the North-East, soldiers from the 152 Task Force Battalion, alongside the Hybrid Force and Civilian Joint Task Force, thwarted an ISWAP/JAS assault in Banki, Borno State. They recovered a full box of 12.7 x 108mm rounds, a box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition, a bicycle, and military camouflage gear.
Meanwhile, the 21 Special Armoured Brigade safely neutralized two command-activated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the Darel Jamel-Bula Yobe Road.
In a separate engagement, combined forces from the 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade intercepted ISWAP/JAS supply convoys on the Damboa-Gumsuri Road. The encounter resulted in the death of one terrorist and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 36 hand grenades, IED components, desert camouflage pants, four military uniforms, 32 bicycles, large quantities of narcotics, chemicals, red oil, mosquito nets, and other miscellaneous items.
In Katsina State, the Defence Special Operations Force (DSOF) clashed with terrorists at Jeka Areda and Ruwan Godyia, successfully capturing seven motorcycles.
Similarly, in Cross River State, troops from the 146 and 130 Battalions apprehended and neutralized a cultist found in possession of a roasted human leg. Concurrently, the 34 Artillery Brigade uncovered and dismantled a bunkering site containing four cooking drums and 800 liters of illicitly refined petroleum products.
In Sokoto State, the DHQ Special Operations Battalion eliminated two terrorists and seized one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, three motorcycles, and military uniforms.
Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) troops in Taraba State arrested three individuals suspected of kidnapping activities.
In Rivers State, forces destroyed 350 liters of crude oil being illegally extracted along the Imor River.
The 222 Battalion set an ambush in Konduga, Borno State, neutralizing one terrorist, while the 3 Battalion intercepted a truck carrying dry NPK fertilizer at Logomani, suspected to be intended for terrorist use.
Additionally, the 149 Battalion stopped four vehicles and detained four terror logistics operatives in Gubio, and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram arrested three kidnappers in Nganzai.
In Kaduna State, Sector 7 troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) rescued a kidnapped girl in Manchok and apprehended one suspect. Sector 8 OPEP forces arrested another individual in Plateau State found with a Dane gun. Meanwhile, the 1 Battalion (Rear), collaborating with the Department of State Services (DSS), detained four terrorists in Kebbi State, confiscating a vehicle, mobile phones, and other items.
Sector 1 OPWS troops in Benue State freed a kidnap victim and seized one FN rifle, five magazines, and 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
In Cross River, the 245 Battalion neutralized one criminal, arrested two others, and recovered a pistol, ammunition, and drug-related materials.
Further operations by the 135 Special Forces Battalion, alongside the Civilian JTF, repelled an ISWAP/JAS attack in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. They recovered five RPG bombs, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four PKT belts containing 306 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and other equipment. Similarly, troops stationed at FOB Azir, Damboa, repelled another assault, neutralizing one terrorist and confiscating three AK-47 rifles, explosives, intoxicants, and narcotics.
Military sources also reported the arrest of terror informants in Kaduna, the rescue of kidnapped passengers in Bakassi waterways in collaboration with the Cameroonian Army, and the recovery of stolen motorcycles and firearms across Plateau, Adamawa, Kebbi, and other states.
Overall, the Nigerian Army’s operations from September 19 to 22, 2025, culminated in the elimination of multiple terrorists, detention of over 20 criminal suspects, liberation of numerous kidnapping victims, and the seizure of a vast cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, drugs, chemicals, and illicit petroleum products.
