Nigerian troops have killed 17 terrorists, arrested 85 suspects and rescued 10 kidnapped victims during recent operations across the country, the military said on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The coordinated raids were carried out in multiple regions, including the North East, North West, North Central and South South zones, as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and oil theft, according to a military source quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai engaged Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in several encounters in Borno and Adamawa states. One clash occurred near Goni Kurmi and Kashomri villages in Konduga Local Government Area, where troops repelled an ambush and neutralized several insurgents. Soldiers also intercepted vehicles carrying 368 bags of cement allegedly headed to terrorist hideouts in Adamawa State.

In the North West, under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Fansan Yamma, troops conducted clearance patrols in Sokoto and Zamfara states. They arrested 69 suspected drug dealers and rescued one civilian injured during a terrorist attack along the Faru–Bagabbuzi Road in Zamfara’s Maradun Local Government Area.

Troops operating in the North Central zone, under Operation Enduring Peace, rescued one victim from kidnappers in Dorowa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. They also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a revolver, six magazines and more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition during a raid in Rawaya village, Gashish District.

In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified their campaign against illegal oil bunkering. They intercepted a boat carrying 840 liters of illegally refined kerosene in Omoku, Rivers State, and seized a truck transporting 2,500 liters of crude oil condensate in Ughelli North, Delta State. The military said such operations are meant to cut off funding sources for criminal networks that often support terrorism.

A senior officer at Army Headquarters described the suspects as “Boko Haram informants, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators, drug peddlers and kidnappers.” He said all rescued victims were receiving medical care and undergoing debriefing before reuniting with their families.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to denying terrorists and criminal elements any freedom of action across the country,” the officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly.

Nigeria has battled insurgency for more than a decade, mainly in the North East, where Boko Haram and ISWAP have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The crisis has since spread to other regions, with kidnappings, bandit attacks and oil theft becoming major security challenges.

Analysts say the latest operations show the military’s strategy is shifting beyond direct combat to include disrupting supply chains, dismantling local support networks and targeting the financing of terrorism.

Security experts warn, however, that lasting stability will depend on stronger intelligence gathering, community cooperation and follow-up prosecution of those arrested. “Killing terrorists is only one part of the solution,” said retired security analyst Audu Ibrahim. “The real progress comes when logistics networks and financial flows are permanently broken.”

The Defence Headquarters said troops will maintain pressure on insurgents through continuous patrols, intelligence-led raids and joint operations with other security agencies. It added that efforts are ongoing to ensure rescued victims receive psychosocial support and that suspects face trial according to Nigerian law.

Residents in affected communities have expressed relief over the recent successes but urged the military to sustain its presence to prevent retaliatory attacks. Authorities say more coordinated actions are planned in the coming weeks to consolidate the gains and improve security across Nigeria.