The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 11 suspects, including a notorious kidnap kingpin and a self-confessed courier for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following a series of coordinated operations across the country.
According to the Army, the operations — carried out between October 7 and 8, 2025 — also led to the recovery of over 1,400 rounds of ammunition, the surrender of several insurgents, and the destruction of illegal oil refining sites in the South-South and South-East regions.
Troops recovered two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as well as vehicles, boats, and refining equipment used in illegal petroleum activities.
In a statement, military authorities described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to “break the backbone of terror, banditry, and criminal enterprise across the country.”
One of the most notable breakthroughs occurred in Akwa Ibom State, where troops of the 2 Brigade, working with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Port Harcourt, arrested Emmanuel Akpan — a high-profile kidnap kingpin who had long terrorized travellers along the Oron–Ibaka corridor.
Akpan was captured during a pre-dawn raid on his hideout in Eket Local Government Area after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. His arrest, according to reports, dealt a major blow to kidnapping syndicates in the South-South. He is currently in DSS custody.
In another operation, troops of the 196 Amphibious Battalion in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, arrested an ISWAP courier who was attempting to infiltrate the town while posing as a repentant insurgent.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had been a vital link between ISWAP cells in Chad and Niger Republic, facilitating intelligence and logistics for terrorist groups around the Lake Chad Basin. Military intelligence described his capture as “a breakthrough in counterterrorism operations,” offering valuable insights into cross-border terrorist networks and recruitment routes.
Similarly, in Kaduna State, troops of the 4 Demonstration Battalion intercepted two suspects along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna road, recovering 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones, and ₦27,000 in cash. Investigations showed the ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi in Plateau State to Zamfara, a hotspot for bandit activities.
Meanwhile, continued military pressure has led to more insurgent surrenders. Three ISWAP/JAS fighters, including a woman, turned themselves in to troops of the 68 Battalion in Bosso, Niger State, citing hunger, hardship, and sustained bombardments of their hideouts.
In Borno State’s Konduga Local Government Area, troops of the 222 Battalion engaged terrorists in Bazamri Village, recovering two RPG bombs and 150 rounds of ammunition after forcing the insurgents to flee.
Read Also;
Wife Sets Army Officer Husband Ablaze four Months After Marriage
Army destroys eight illegal refineries, confiscates stolen oil in N’Delta
The Army also reported ongoing crackdowns on illegal oil bunkering across the Niger Delta and South-East, dismantling several refining sites and recovering thousands of litres of fuel and equipment in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau States.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerians and maintaining national security, the Army stated:
“These successes highlight the Nigerian Army’s firm resolve to defend the country’s territorial integrity and dismantle criminal networks wherever they operate.”
