Military Arrests Terrorist Logistics Suppliers Abubakar Modu, Alhaji Bura in Nationwide Crackdown

By Zainab Uzomah

The military has intensified operations against terrorists and criminal elements across different theatres in the country, killing at least eight suspected terrorists, rescuing 23 abducted persons and arresting several suspected criminals between October 9 and 15, 2026.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operations targeted terrorist groups, kidnappers, arms traffickers and criminal networks across the six geopolitical zones.

In Kwara State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued 18 kidnapped victims in the Eruku–Egbe–Koro Forest area after pursuing their abductors, who abandoned the victims and fled. In Edo State, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued Halima Ibrahim along the Okene–Okpella Road and Prince Michael Akao in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. Three suspected kidnappers were killed during the latter operation.

In Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued two abducted persons, Bello Ibrahim and Ibrahim Adamu, around the Kuranabasa axis of Gwoza Local Government Area.

The military also recorded casualties among suspected terrorists in the North East and North West. In Adamawa State, troops killed a terrorist during an engagement in Hong Local Government Area, while four other terrorist bodies were subsequently discovered during patrols in the area. Another suspected terrorist was killed during a clearance operation in Nguma village, Borno State.

In Sokoto State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA killed one suspected terrorist during an engagement at Soruro village, Tangaza Local Government Area, on October 12, and another during a clearance operation in Waria Forest on October 15.

Among those arrested were Abubakar Modu and Alhaji Bura, suspected terrorist logistics suppliers apprehended in Monguno, Borno State. Three suspected collaborators—Modu Ibrahim, Abubakar Bunu and Tujja Mairami—were also arrested in Gubio, Borno State.

In Kaduna State, troops arrested Yusuf Iliya Sani at Maraban Kakini over alleged involvement in kidnapping, extortion, sexual assault and killings in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested Yusuf Suleiman at Barkin Ladi Main Market in Plateau State over alleged links to attacks, kidnapping and armed robbery.

In Abia State, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested three suspected members of an outlawed group: Ozioma Mark, Kalu Obasi and Kamba Igwu Ogbonna, at Atan–Ihechiowa village in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

The statement added that troops recovered several firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles and other items during the operations. Several suspected terrorists and their family members also surrendered to troops in Borno State.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops and urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation. He also called on community leaders and residents to provide credible information to support ongoing operations.