By Micah Jonah
January 20, 2026
The Nigerian Army has recorded major security gains across several regions of the country, killing one militant, arresting 23 suspects, recovering weapons and ammunition during coordinated operations conducted over the past 48 hours, military authorities said on Sunday.
The operations, driven by intelligence and carried out in multiple theatres, targeted terrorism, kidnapping, child trafficking and other violent crimes, according to army officials.
In the South East and South South, troops arrested a suspected spy linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing in Anambra State. Two suspected child traffickers were also apprehended in Orumba South Local Government Area, while four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Edo State, where security forces recovered two cutlasses and other items.
Soldiers also foiled an attempted abduction of a serving soldier in Okpella, Edo State, forcing the attackers to flee and rescuing the victim without injury. Another four suspected kidnappers were later arrested along the Afua Ekpoma Road in the same state.
In the North Central region and the Federal Capital Territory, troops arrested four suspected violent extremists in Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja. In Nasarawa State, two suspects were detained for impersonating military and police personnel, while seven suspected kidnappers were arrested across Toto and Doma local government areas. Items recovered during the operations included a machete, a dagger and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In the North East and Benue Taraba axis, troops on patrol in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State engaged suspected militants in a firefight, killing one and arresting another. In neighbouring Taraba State, soldiers responding to a kidnapping incident rescued two abducted victims along the Wukari Ikyior Road after the attackers fled on sighting security forces.
The Nigerian Army said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks, restore public safety and protect civilians across the country.
Military authorities urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining recent gains and improving overall security nationwide.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges ranging from insurgency in the northeast to kidnapping and banditry in other regions, prompting sustained military deployments and joint operations with other security agencies in recent years.
