Nigerian Army Kills 18 Terrorists, Arrests 37 in Nationwide 24-Hour Military Operation
The Nigerian Army has killed 18 terrorists and arrested 37 suspects during a coordinated 24-hour nationwide military operation aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, bandit groups, and kidnapping syndicates across several states in Nigeria.
The large-scale security operation, which involved troops deployed across multiple military theatres, also led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and logistics used by criminal groups.
According to military authorities, the operation was intelligence-driven and carried out simultaneously in different regions of the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and combat rising threats from terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.
Security forces conducted raids, patrols, and targeted assaults on criminal hideouts across states including Borno, Yobe, Cross River, Edo, Benue, Sokoto, Kaduna, Delta, and Zamfara.
The coordinated offensive resulted in:
18 terrorists neutralized
37 suspects arrested
Several kidnapped victims rescued
Weapons and ammunition recovered
Military officials described the operation as part of a broader strategy to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and eliminate criminal strongholds across Nigeria.
Major Operations in the North-East
In Borno State, troops conducting follow-up clearance operations discovered the bodies of several terrorists along escape routes after an earlier confrontation with insurgents.
During the operation, soldiers recovered:
AK-47 rifles
Rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs
60mm mortar rounds
Ammunition belts and other combat equipment
In Yobe State, troops working with local hunters carried out a cordon-and-search mission in Damaturu, where a suspected kidnapper was arrested and an AK-47 rifle was seized.
Troops Repel Armed Attack in Cross River
In the South-South region, soldiers responding to a violent disturbance in Cross River State were reportedly ambushed by armed attackers. However, the troops successfully repelled the assault and neutralized four of the attackers during the confrontation.
Anti-Kidnapping Operations in Edo and Benue
Security forces also intensified operations against kidnapping gangs operating in southern and central Nigeria.
In Edo State, troops raided a suspected kidnapping hideout near a riverine area, killing three suspected kidnappers and recovering communication devices believed to be used to coordinate criminal activities.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, troops operating under Operation Whirl Stroke successfully rescued several kidnapped victims and arrested a suspected collaborator linked to the abduction network.
15 suspects were arrested in Sokoto State
4 suspects were apprehended in Kaduna State
Troops also seized motorcycles and fuel supplies believed to have been used to support terrorist and bandit movements in remote communities.
Military authorities emphasized that the nationwide operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to protecting citizens and eliminating terrorist threats across the country.
The army also urged Nigerians to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence that can help identify criminal networks and prevent attacks.
Nigeria’s Ongoing Security Challenges
Nigeria continues to face persistent security threats from terrorist groups in the North-East as well as armed bandits and kidnapping syndicates operating in other regions.
Security experts believe that sustained intelligence-based operations, improved surveillance, and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies will play a crucial role in reducing terrorism and restoring long-term stability in the country.