Troops arrest 26 terrorists’ informants, notorious kidnapper
Troops arrest 26 terrorists’ informants, notorious kidnapper
Maj. Gen Markus Kangye
News Headline -Arts and Books
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday said troops recorded major operational successes against terrorists, kidnappers, cultists, illegal oil refiners and other criminal elements in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
According to the military high command, the operations led to the neutralization of several terrorists, arrest of multiple suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition.
Addressing the media on Thursday Director Defence Media Operation Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said during the period under review, troops arrested a high-profile kidnapper identified as SaawuanWuaiyolna a member of a notorious syndicate who is on the wanted list in Benue state.
He is believed to be a member of a criminal gang under the leadership of one Akiki Utivialso known as Full Fire in Wukari LGA of Taraba state on 17 September 2025.
He said troops also conducted operations in Kaga, Kukawa, Monguno and Ngala LGAs of Borno state as well as Mubi South, Mubi North and Nguru LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa states.
He said during the encounters, 26 terrorist collaborators; informants and terrorist sympathizers were arrested.
“Logistics items, large quantities of fabrics, vehicles, motorcycles and IED marking materials were also recovered. Recovered Items are in troop’s custody, while interrogation is ongoing,” he said.
According to him, troops in conjunction with relevant security agencies conducted a series of operations designed to dismantle terrorists’ networks, deny bandits and other criminal gangs sanctuaries, and strangulate oxygen channels to economic saboteurs amongst others in order to enhance national security, promote stability and national interests at home and globally.
In the North-east, he said the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) during the week ending 18 – 22 September 2025, sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action in the North East region.
“ Our ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.
“Their effort led to the elimination of several terrorists, their logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons, dismantling of their networks and support for safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities.”
Speaking further, he said troops also conducted covert operations and arrested a notorious terrorist identified as Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu alongside 2 others in Paiko LGA of Niger state on 17 September 2025.
“Similarly, 2 kidnappers’ informants were arrested in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State on 22 September 2025. Additionally, 4 other suspected terrorists were arrested in Bagudu LGA of Kebbi State on 21 September 2025. During the encounters, troops eliminated some terrorists, recovered arms and ammunition and rescued 14 kidnapped victims.”
