Nigerian Army Records Major Successes: High-Value Kidnap Kingpin Arrested, Terrorists Neutralized, Arms Seized

The Nigerian Army has announced significant operational successes across multiple theaters, including the arrest of a high-value kidnap kingpin, the neutralization and arrest of terrorists, and the recovery of substantial arms and ammunition. 

Arrest of High-Value Targets

Akwa Ibom: On October 7, 2025, troops of the 2 Brigade, collaborating with the Department of State Services (DSS) from Port Harcourt, raided a suspected kidnapper’s hideout in Eket Local Government Area. They arrested Emmanuel Akpan, a notorious kidnap kingpin operating along the Oron/Ibaka axis. The suspect is currently in DSS custody.

Borno: On October 8, 2025, troops of the 196 Amphibious Battalion in Baga, Kukawa LGA, arrested an ISWAP/JAS terrorist fighter attempting to infiltrate the town under the guise of a surrendering combatant. Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist enclaves in Chad and Niger Republic.

Arms Recovery and Surrender

Kaduna:Troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion intercepted two suspects at a snap checkpoint along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road, Sabon Birni LGA. The suspects were conveying 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones, and ₦27,000 cash. The ammunition was reportedly being transported from Barakin Ladi, Plateau State, to Zamfara State.

Voluntary Surrender: Three ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a female, voluntarily surrendered to troops of 68 Battalion at Bosso, Niger State, citing intense military pressure and hardship in terrorist enclaves.

Borno Firefight: Troops of 222 Battalion at Bazamri Village, Konduga LGA, engaged terrorists in a firefight, recovering two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition.

Anti-Oil Theft Operations

The Army also recorded gains in the fight against oil theft across Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau States. Troops recovered over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), seized several boats and vehicles used for illicit transportation, and destroyed multiple illegal refining ovens and equipment.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and ensuring a secure environment for economic growth.