Army Rescues 37 Hostages, Kills 9 Terrorists Nationwide

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 37 kidnapped victims and killed nine terrorists in a series of coordinated counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations conducted across the country between October 2 and 6, 2025.

According to military sources, the joint land and air operations also led to the arrest of eight criminal suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of weapons.

In the North-East, soldiers from the 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram near Dipchari, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing five insurgents in what was described as a “fierce firefight.”

Similarly, troops of the 148 Battalion, during an operation along the Ekiti–Kogi border, neutralised two insurgents and recovered two AK-47 rifles.

In another encounter, the 3 Battalion successfully repelled a large-scale assault on its position, inflicting “heavy casualties” on the attackers. One insurgent was confirmed dead while several others reportedly fled with gunshot wounds.

Across several states — including Borno, Katsina, Imo, and Plateau — troops apprehended eight suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and illegal arms trade. Those arrested include an alleged ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a terrorist collaborator in Kukawa, a wanted separatist (IPOB/ESN) operative in Imo State, and a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State.

Recovered items from the operations include a locally made pistol, a dane gun, three AK-47 magazines, over 100 rounds of assorted ammunition, and several motorcycles believed to have been used for criminal activities.