The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ have disclosed that troops of Operation UDO KA
arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists commander identified as Gentle who was on troops wanted list alongside 8 other criminals in Owerri West and Mbaitoli LGAs of Imo State as well as Izzi and Ohaukwu LGAs of Ebonyi State.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye in an operational press briefing in Abuja .
He explained that troops conducted offensive operations and also arrested female IPOB/ESN collaborator who also was behieved to be one of their logistics supplier was arrested in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.
According to him, during the arrest, 3 children whose investigation revealed were biological childred to a wanted IPOB/ESN leader identified as Maduabuchi Nwankwo otherwise known as Emergency were found in her custody.
He further revealed that the terrorist leader is also her relation.
He stated that in the North-East, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI maintained unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
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“Between October 8 and 16, 2025, troops conducted coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Uba, Gwoza, Monguno, Kukawa, and Mafa areas of Borno State, as well as in Mubi South, Adamawa, and parts of Yobe State. During the encounters, several terrorists were neutralized while 10 of their collaborators and informants were apprehended.
“Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and recovered assorted weapons, petroleum products, and a cash sum of ₦5,140,000 believed to be proceeds from terrorist logistics operations. General Kangye noted that the sustained offensives have further stabilized liberated communities, enabling the safe return of displaced persons and allowing farmers to resume unhindered agricultural activities across the region,” he said .
Similarly, the Director stated that in the North-West, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI intensified ground and air offensives across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. Between October 8 and 15, troops engaged terrorists in fierce firefights in Tangaza, Isa, Goronyo, Anka, Gusau, and Shinkafi Local Government Areas, leading to the elimination of several bandits and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
He added that fourteen suspected terrorists were arrested, while six abducted persons regained freedom.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain resolute in their constitutional duty to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect law-abiding citizens, and restore lasting peace across all regions.
He lauded the courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops, noting that their sacrifices continue to yield tangible results in the nation’s security trajectory.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces will sustain the tempo of operations and ensure that every criminal element threatening the peace and unity of our country is brought to justice,” he assured.
