Major Security Breakthrough as Forces Nab 90 Suspects
In a significant blow to terrorist networks across Nigeria, troops have successfully arrested 90 suspected terrorists and rescued 53 kidnapped victims during a series of coordinated operations spanning from November 3 to November 14, 2025. The announcement was made by the new Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Olakunbo Bello, in an official statement released on Friday.
One of the most notable arrests was Ibrahim Wakili, a notorious terrorist who had been on the security forces' watch list. He was captured on November 9, 2025, in the Ungwan Gora area of Sanga Local Government in Kaduna State. Arms and ammunition found in his possession were recovered, and the suspect is currently undergoing intensive interrogation.
Nationwide Operations and Regional Breakdown
The military operations were extensive, covering multiple regions of the country. A detailed breakdown of the arrests shows that 45 suspects were nabbed in the North East, two in the North West, 30 in the North Central, nine in the South South, and seven in the South East. Beyond the arrests, several terrorists were killed during the confrontations with troops.
The operations targeted terrorist strongholds in specific Local Government Areas. In Borno State, actions were carried out in Monguno, Gwoza, Bama, Ngazai, Damboa, Chibok, and Biu. Adamawa State saw operations in Mubi South and Hong LGAs.
In the North West, troops conducted offensives in Tangaza, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State, as well as Maradun, Tsafe, Talata Mafara, and Anka in Zamfara. Operations also extended to Borgu, Kontagora, Magama, and Mariga in Niger State, and Funtua, Danmusa, and Bakori in Katsina State. Security forces were also active in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State and Shanono LGA of Kano State.
Oil Theft Foiled and Illegal Refineries Destroyed
In a parallel victory in the Niger Delta, troops thwarted an oil theft operation valued at over N15 million. The seized items included 12,600 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,287 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Furthermore, the military discovered and destroyed a significant number of illegal refining infrastructures. This included 23 crude oil cooking ovens, 14 dugout pits, 16 boats, 12 storage tanks, and 6 illegal refining sites, dealing a heavy blow to the illicit oil bunkering economy in the region.
The overall recovery from the various operations was substantial. Troops seized large quantities of various arms, including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, and locally fabricated guns. They also recovered improvised explosive device-making materials, along with a cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition.
Operations in the North Central region covered Bassa, Riyom, Jos, Barkin Ladi, Jos North, and Mangu in Plateau State, as well as Kaura, Sanga, and Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State. In Kogi State, troops raided hideouts in Dekina, Yagba West, Lokoja, Obajana, Ijumu, Kabba, and Omala, with similar actions in Edu and Ifelodun LGAs of Kwara State.
Finally, operations were concluded in Ukum, Gwer West, and Guma LGAs of Benue State; Doma, Karu, Wamba, and Keana in Nasarawa State; and Takum and Wukari in Taraba State, demonstrating the wide-reaching and determined effort of Nigeria's security forces.
