TROOPS ELIMINATE TERROR WARLORD, KACHALLA MAIDAWA, 35 OTHERS

Army Foils Attacks Nationwide, Rescues 22 Kidnap Victims, Seizes Weapons, Cash, and Stolen Oil

Abuja — In one of the biggest counter-terrorism breakthroughs in recent months, Nigerian troops have killed a notorious terror kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, alongside 35 other insurgents in a string of coordinated nationwide operations.

The daring offensives, carried out between September 29 and October 4, cut across the six geopolitical zones and involved joint forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, DSS, and Hybrid units.

A top military source confirmed that troops also rescued 22 kidnapped victims, apprehended 32 criminal suspects, and seized a cache of deadly weapons, logistics supplies, and millions of naira in cash.

Troops of Operation Egwu Eke Atite III foiled a planned terrorist attack on Isanlu, Yagba West LGA, Kogi State, killing Maidawa and over a dozen of his fighters after a fierce gun battle.

Maidawa, described as the mastermind of several deadly raids across Kogi and Kwara States, was found with one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, Dane guns, and a fragmentation jacket.

In Kebbi State, troops ambushed terrorists along the Salka–Kinke–Makurdi Road, killing two fighters, rescuing eight captives, and recovering AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition, and two motorcycles.

In Kaduna State, soldiers intercepted a ₦3 million ransom delivery, rescuing five hostages in Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs. Two kidnappers were arrested at Damakasuwa checkpoint with ₦1.3 million cash, while two accomplices were neutralised in a follow-up raid.

In Borno State, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion killed five ISWAP/JAS fighters in Dipchari, while other units arrested drug and logistics couriers along the Gamboru–Wulgo Road. A separate sting in Monguno led to the arrest of 12 suspects, including a notorious ISWAP tax collector.

In the South-East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, Operation Udo Ka, stormed IPOB/ESN hideouts in Abia and Imo States. Arrests were made in connection with the abduction and gruesome killing of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo. A deadly ESN fighter was neutralised, and an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition were seized.

In the South-South, under Operation Delta Safe, soldiers destroyed illegal oil refineries in Rivers and Bayelsa States, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In collaboration with the NDLEA, they also arrested 14 suspected drug peddlers.