Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two high-profile suspected terrorists in different operations across theatres in the country.
The soldiers also recovered a cache of arms from the arrested suspects.
A source at the Army Headquarters quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) disclosed that the successes were recorded in operations conducted between October 7 and October 9.
One of the suspects, a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Emmanuel Akpan, was arrested during an operation by troops of 2 Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), who raided the kidnapper’s hideout at Eket, Akwa Ibom.
Naijaonpoint understands that Akpan, known for kidnappings along the Oron/Ibaka axis, was apprehended during a joint operation on October 7 and is currently in DSS custody for further investigation.
The source added that troops of the 196 Amphibious Battalion arrested an ISWAP/JAS terrorist at Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, while attempting to infiltrate the town on October 8.
Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect served as a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist enclaves in Chad and the Niger Republic, posing as a surrendering fighter.
“In Kaduna State, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion intercepted two suspects conveying 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition along the Lere–Saminaka–Kaduna Road.
“The suspects were arrested with four mobile phones and ₦27,000 cash. The ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi, Plateau State, to Zamfara.
“Meanwhile, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a female, surrendered to 68 Battalion troops at Bosso, Niger State, citing intense military pressure and hardship in their camps.
“The surrendered terrorists, from Konduga and Jabilam, are currently being profiled for further debriefing by security operatives,” he said.
In a related development, the source added that troops of 222 at Bazamri Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged terrorists in a fierce firefight.
He narrated that the troops recovered two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition after the encounter.
“Across other regions, troops intensified anti-oil theft operations in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi and Plateau States, arresting suspects and dismantling illegal refining sites.
“During the operations, troops recovered 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, seized boats and vehicles used for transporting illicit petroleum products, and destroyed several refining ovens.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in protecting citizens, denying terrorists freedom of action and creating safe conditions for peace and economic development,” he added.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]