In a series of synchronized military operations nationwide, the Nigerian Army has successfully eliminated a high-ranking leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), known as ‘Alhaji,’ along with 26 other militants, while apprehending 22 individuals linked to criminal activities.
According to an official release on the Nigerian Army’s social media platforms, these operations, conducted between October 8 and 11, 2025, also led to the liberation of five kidnapping victims and the seizure of various weapons and ammunition.
In the South-East region, soldiers from Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA tracked down and neutralized the notorious IPOB/ESN commander ‘Alhaji’ at his hideout in Ezza-Eyimaggu, located within the Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State.
The statement detailed that ‘Alhaji,’ who had previously been detained and attempted to disarm a soldier during his arrest, was killed following a brief confrontation.
Meanwhile, troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, while patrolling Mbaotoli LGA in Imo State, uncovered and dismantled an IPOB/ESN shrine used for indoctrinating recruits into criminal activities.
In the North-East, forces stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, collaborating with the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged and killed four terrorists during a firefight along the Gajiram-Bolori-Mile 40-Gajiganna corridor in Borno State.
During this operation, two civilians were rescued, and over ₦4.3 million in cash along with two new mobile phones, previously seized by the terrorists, were recovered.
Additionally, soldiers from the 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri neutralized five insurgents and confiscated an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a dagger in Borno State.
Further north-east, three ISWAP/JAS militants surrendered to troops of the 242 Recce Battalion in Monguno after abandoning their strongholds near the Timbuktu Triangle, citing disillusionment and exhaustion.
In the North-West, intelligence-driven airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA targeted Gebe Primary School in Isa LGA, Sokoto State, effectively eliminating several terrorists and their commanders.
Concurrently, soldiers from the 8 Division Garrison, alongside local vigilante groups, intercepted couriers transporting illicit drugs and motorcycle parts from Lagos State to Zamfara State.
The apprehended suspects were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further interrogation.
Similarly, troops from the 1 Brigade responded promptly to distress signals in Anka LGA, Zamfara State, rescuing kidnapped individuals and neutralizing armed bandits during a pursuit operation.
In the North-Central zone, Operation Whirl Stroke forces conducted successful raids on hideouts in Nasarawa and Benue States, resulting in the arrest of multiple kidnapping suspects, the rescue of victims, and the recovery of weapons, charms, and other incriminating items.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, soldiers from Operation ENDURING PEACE thwarted a cattle rustling attempt in Barkin Ladi and apprehended five drug traffickers in Bassa LGA.
In the South-South region, Sector 3 of Operation DELTA SAFE engaged cultists in Rivers State, neutralizing two and detaining one suspect. The troops recovered rifles, magazines, ammunition, motorcycles, and military gear during the encounter.
In Edo State, personnel from the 4 Brigade successfully rescued a kidnapping victim in Esan South-East LGA and recovered the victim’s vehicle.
“Across all operational theaters, our troops have rescued five kidnapped individuals, neutralized 26 terrorists and criminal elements, and arrested 22 suspects involved in terrorism, banditry, drug trafficking, and cultism,” the statement concluded.
Confiscated items included numerous AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, charms, and homemade weapons.
