The Nigerian Army has recorded a major operational breakthrough, neutralizing a notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, alongside 35 other insurgents in a series of coordinated nationwide operations conducted between 29 September and 4 October 2025.
A credible source at Army headquarters who disclosed this to Blueprint Newspapers, said the operations also led to the arrest of 32 criminal suspects, the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and logistics supplies.
“In Kogi state, troops under Operation EGWU EKE ATITE III, in joint collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police and Hybrid Forces, thwarted terrorist planned attack at Isanlu, Yagba West LGA.
“During the fierce firefight, troops overpowered the extremists, neutralizing over twelve terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, who had long terrorized communities across Kogi East and Kwara state,” he said.
According to him, recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of mixed ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other sundry items.
He disclosed that in Kebbi state, troops of 1 Brigade ambushed terrorists along the Salka–Kinke–Makurdi road in Ngaski LGA, killing two terrorists and rescuing eight kidnapped victims.
“The troops also recovered seven AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles,” he said.
Similarly, he said in Kaduna State, troops of 11 Field Engineer Regiment and CSI Battalion intercepted several criminal activities, including a ₦3 million ransom delivery attempt involving brand-new motorcycles meant for terrorists.
‘Troops rescued the five kidnapped victims and neutralized several fleeing bandits during the operations in Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs,” he said.
In a related development, he said two suspected kidnappers were intercepted at Damakasuwa checkpoint in Zangon Kataf LGA with ₦1.3 million, while follow-up operations led to the neutralization of two other members of the syndicate who tried to escape during arrest.
In the North East, he said troops of 151 Task Force Battalion laid ambush at Dipchari in Bama LGA of Borno state, neutralizing five ISWAP/JAS terrorists.
“Similarly, troops of 3 Battalion and 24 Task Force Brigade arrested suspected ISWAP logistics and drug suppliers along the Gamboru–Wulgo road, recovering illicit items.
“Another operation in Monguno led to the arrest of 12 suspects, including a terrorist tax collector, effectively crippling elements of the terrorist intelligence network in the region.”
He said in the South East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation UDO KA raided IPOB/ESN hideouts in Abia and Imo states, arresting several suspects, including one involved in the abduction and murder of the Vice Chancellor of the Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo.
“Troops also neutralized a notorious foot soldier of an IPOB/ESN commander and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 14 rounds of ammunition.
“Operations in the South South under Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and destroyed multiple illegal oil refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa states, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
“Additionally, 14 drug peddlers were arrested by troops in conjunction with the NDLEA.
“Elsewhere, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized an armed suspect in Benue State and rescued six kidnapped victims in Taraba State. Further arrests of arms suppliers and suspected collaborators were made in Sokoto and Kano States, reinforcing the Army’s proactive stance against insecurity.
“Overall, the Nigerian Army dealt a decisive blow to terrorists and criminal elements across multiple theatres, neutralizing over 35 terrorists (including the notorious Kachalla Maidawa), arresting 32 suspects and rescuing 22 kidnapped victims.
According to him, “Troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 780 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other logistics materials.”
He said these sweeping operational successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s superiority in combat operations, intelligence-led precision and unyielding commitment to restoring peace and stability across the nation.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its determination to create a secure environment that enhances agricultural and economic activities, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to national food security and sustainable development,” he said.
