In a sweeping nationwide crackdown, the Nigerian Army has recorded a series of decisive victories in its ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations, arresting 38 criminal suspects, including the notorious extremist leader Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo. The coordinated offensives, conducted across multiple states, also led to the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims, neutralization of two terrorists and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and logistics supplies.
According to the Nigerian Army, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Babawo Badoo on 20th October 2025 at Lugere Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The arrest, which marked a major blow to extremist networks in the North Central region, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone and ₦12,000 in cash.
In a follow-up operation, troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, working alongside the Nigerian Police and Civilian Joint Task Force, stormed a criminal hideout in Saya Village, Bassa Local Government Area, arresting 19 suspects currently under investigation.
The tempo of success extended to the North East, where troops under Operation HADIN KAI, in concert with the Department of State Services (DSS), captured an ISWAP/JAS terrorist informant and ransom courier at the Customs IDP Camp, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. In a separate ambush at Ngirbuwa Village, Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State, troops neutralized two terrorists and seized one AK-47 rifle and three magazines.
Further investigations in Borno and Yobe States revealed a logistics network supporting terrorist enclaves. Troops arrested six collaborators, seizing 33 jerrycans filled with petrol, food supplies and fake identification cards of the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, used as cover for smuggling operations. Several victims who escaped terrorist captivity in Kukawa Local Government Area were also rescued following sustained military bombardments.
In the North Central and Southern regions, troops of Operations WHIRL STROKE and ENDURING PEACE carried out clearance operations across Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Imo States, arresting extremist informants and recovering locally fabricated arms. In the Federal Capital Territory, troops of the 7 Guards Battalion intercepted five illegal immigrants from Chad, Cameroon and Niger suspected of espionage-related activities.
The rescue efforts continued nationwide four hostages freed in Kwara, five in Katsina and others in Plateau and Bauchi States, where troops also evacuated two injured civilians to safety after criminal attacks.
Commending the troops’ gallantry, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, lauded their operational efficiency and urged them to sustain the momentum in eliminating all forms of criminality. He reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to create a safer environment that supports economic stability, agricultural productivity and national peace.
Through these coordinated efforts, the Nigerian Army continues to send a clear message: the reign of impunity and insecurity is being met with resilience, precision and unwavering national resolve.
