Nigerian troops have captured a notorious militia leader, Haruna Abdulhamid, during a precision sting operation in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa State. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in ongoing security efforts, as the suspect has long been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating violent attacks, kidnapping operations, and arms trafficking in the region.
According to a reliable source who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the operation was carried out by troops of Sector II, Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed to Nasarawa Eggon. Acting on actionable intelligence, the military intercepted Abdulhamid while he attempted to collect cash proceeds from a criminal operation.
“The suspect was tracked and apprehended based on credible human intelligence about his movements,” the source said. “He is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.”
Expanded Operations Across Nigeria
In coordinated operations across other regions of the country, the Nigerian military recorded multiple successes:
NORTH EAST OPERATIONS
In Adamawa State, troops in collaboration with local hunters and Hybrid Forces engaged terrorists in Pambula Village, Madagali Local Government Area. One terrorist was killed in the firefight, and troops recovered a weapon along with four abandoned motorcycles.
In Bama Local Government Area, Borno State, troops also neutralized a terrorist, recovered arms, and destroyed hideouts and makeshift living quarters used by the insurgents. The mission also led to the surrender of three ISWAP/JAS family members, including an adult female and two minors.
Additionally, an unexploded 40mm mortar bomb was found during a patrol along the Damboa–Azir road in Damboa LGA. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team safely recovered the device, ensuring civilian safety in the area.
NORTH WEST OPERATIONS
In Kebbi State, troops ambushed terrorists along River Kaa following intelligence reports on cattle rustling. The operation led to the rescue of six kidnapped victims and the recovery of four stolen cattle.
SOUTH EAST OPERATIONS
Troops in Ehime Mbano LGA, Imo State, arrested a suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) at a checkpoint. The suspect is believed to have participated in past attacks on security operatives and public infrastructure. Authorities have begun intensive interrogation as the suspect is reportedly providing useful intelligence.
SOUTH SOUTH OPERATIONS
In a renewed crackdown on oil theft, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and 197 Special Forces Battalion discovered and dismantled an illegal refining site housing 60 cooking drums and about 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The site also contained reservoirs filled with refined petroleum products.
In another joint operation, 3 Battalion troops working with Tantita Security Services intercepted boats smuggling 1,720 litres of suspected illicit petroleum products along Jeddo Waterways in Warri South LGA, Delta State. The suspects abandoned the boats and fled the scene upon sighting the military.
Army Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to national security, promising to maintain pressure on criminal networks through proactive, intelligence-led missions across all regions.
“These successful operations reflect the Army’s unrelenting effort to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity,” the source concluded.
Security analysts have commended the army’s synchronized strategy, noting that the simultaneous operations across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones show an evolving and increasingly effective national defense posture.
