Army Arrests Five Terrorist Suspects, Recovers AK-47 as ISWAP Terrorist Surrender

Nigerian Army troops have arrested five suspected terrorist collaborators and received the surrender of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighter in separate operations in Borno State, as military operations also led to a kidnap victim’s rescue in Kaduna and fresh arrests in Plateau.

The operations, according to a military operational report made available in Abuja on Wednesday, also uncovered an illegal oil-refining site in Rivers State and helped restore calm in a Delta community rocked by deadly violence involving youths and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In Borno, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade Garrison raided Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area on Tuesday, arresting five suspected terrorist collaborators. Items recovered included a locally made gun, seven mobile phones and two locally fabricated knives. The suspects and exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation.

In a separate development, an ISWAP fighter surrendered to troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation Hadin Kai in Monguno. Preliminary investigations indicated that the fighter had escaped from a terrorist camp in Tumbunma village, in the Lake Chad area near Bukar Meram, Marte Local Government Area.

The surrendered fighter reportedly handed over an AK-47 rifle, 31 rounds of 5.56mm special ammunition, a camel bag, a small solar panel, an earpiece and two mobile phones.

In Kaduna State, troops of the 4 Demonstration Battalion rescued a woman who had been abducted during an attack on residents of Kauyen Masaka village in Igabi Local Government Area. The military said its personnel responded at about 1:41 a.m. on Tuesday and recovered a motorcycle during the operation.

The rescued woman was reunited with her family and reportedly disclosed that other captives escaped during the military intervention.

On the Plateau, troops of Headquarters 24 Armoured Brigade arrested another suspected criminal following the interrogation of three suspects earlier apprehended in Sabon Gida-Pil Gani village, Langtang North Local Government Area.

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A subsequent raid on the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and 10 cartridges. Investigations are continuing as troops seek to recover an alleged AK-47 rifle and other weapons believed to be in the suspects’ possession.

Meanwhile, troops of the 16 Brigade Garrison, working with personnel of the 5 Battalion, discovered an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Forest, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Military personnel found two long cooking drums, another drum, two half drums and two long pipes at the site. The items were handled in accordance with existing regulations.

In Delta State, troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, alongside Operation Delta Sweep and the 3 Battalion reinforcement team, restored calm in Okpara Inland community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, following violence linked to a confrontation between NDLEA operatives and local youths.

According to the report, preliminary findings indicated that the confrontation began when NDLEA personnel encountered resistance while attempting to arrest a suspected drug dealer. A youth sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and later died.

The death reportedly triggered attacks on a vigilante office and the community town hall. Four vehicles, a motorcycle and the residence of the community leader were also set ablaze.

Troops subsequently cleared blocked roads, reopened access routes and intensified patrols to prevent further violence. The military said residents had resumed normal activities, while engagement with community leaders continued to maintain peace and strengthen security.

The report added that security operations were ongoing across the affected areas to prevent further criminal activity and avert a recurrence of violence.