Nigerian Army Nabs Notorious Extremist, Rescues 15 Victims in Major National Sweep

The Nigerian Army, executing simultaneous operations across multiple theaters, including Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation HADIN KAI, has achieved a significant security breakthrough, resulting in the arrest of 38 criminal suspects and the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims. 

The biggest success was the capture of Idris Idris (aka Babawo Badoo), a notorious violent extremist leader, on October 20, 2025, in Plateau State by Operation ENDURING PEACE troops, who recovered an AK-47 rifle. This major arrest was supplemented by the detention of 19 additional suspects in a Plateau criminal hideout raid.

In the North East, troops intensified the crackdown on the terrorist support network, arresting an ISWAP/JAS informant and ransom collector in Borno State and neutralizing two terrorists in Gujba LGA. Troops also apprehended six logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe, seizing essential items like 33 jerrycans of petrol used to fuel criminal operations.

Beyond the North, operations resulted in the arrest of a suspected IPOB/ESN member in Imo State and the interception of illegal immigrants in the FCT.

Crucially, 15 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued across states like Kwara, Katsina, and Plateau, underlining the Army's commitment to protecting civilians.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the troops' resilience and urged them to maintain their momentum in securing the nation and supporting the Federal Government's commitment to food security by ensuring a safer environment for economic activity.