Army Announces Major Gains, Arrests High-Profile IPOB/ESN Suspects, Foils Terror Attacks, and Destroys Illegal Oil Camps Nationwide

The Nigerian Army has reported sweeping operational victories across several regions within the past 48 hours, resulting in the arrest of high-profile IPOB/ESN suspects, 23 other individuals, and the neutralisation of multiple terrorists.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday via the Army’s official X handle, detailing coordinated operations in the North-East, South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions.

According to the statement, troops carried out precise and intelligence-led strikes as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and criminal groups nationwide.

In the South-East, troops launched a targeted assault on IPOB/ESN elements at a known crossing point in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, killing three armed militants after a fierce gun battle. The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines with 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a pump-action rifle, two BAOFENG radios, and an IED battery—items used to coordinate the group’s activities.

Similarly, soldiers of the 14 Brigade in Abia State apprehended a “notorious enforcer” of the outlawed sit-at-home order, recovering motorcycles, a knife, and ATM cards allegedly used to finance subversive operations.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested four close associates of wanted IPOB/ESN commander, Maduabuchi Nwankwo (also known as Emergency), in Iballakwu village, Benue State. The suspects, including the commander’s wife and brothers, were reportedly found with mobile devices used to facilitate logistics, procure explosive materials, and transfer funds for separatist operations. The Army said the arrests significantly disrupted IPOB/ESN’s logistics and communication networks in the area.

In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a terrorist attack on Kukawa town in Borno State, destroying a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) and neutralising a suicide bomber. Eleven ISWAP/JAS family members—comprising women and children—also surrendered during related operations in Bama Local Government Area.

“Troops of 19 Brigade thwarted a coordinated attack in which terrorists attempted to use civilians as human shields. A T-55 tank destroyed the VBIED, neutralising one suicide bomber while others escaped,” the statement revealed.

Meanwhile, in the South-South, troops intensified operations against oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers and Delta states. Several illegal refining sites were uncovered, containing over 2,600 litres of stolen crude oil and adulterated diesel, along with sophisticated refining equipment. Multiple suspects and vehicles used for transporting the illegal products were also seized.

The Army said these coordinated operations reflect its renewed momentum and enhanced synergy with other security agencies.

“These successive operational gains underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering determination to dismantle terrorist and criminal infrastructures through precision strikes, intelligence-driven raids, and effective inter-agency collaboration,” the statement concluded.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security and territorial integrity, the Army urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies in the collective fight against terrorism and crime.