The Nigerian Army has achieved a significant milestone with the arrest of Idris Idris, also known as Babawo Badoo, a notorious leader of terror and violent extremist groups. The operation, which took place on October 20, resulted in the apprehension of 37 other criminal suspects and the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims.
According to a reliable source at the Army Headquarters, the arrest of Babawo Badoo was made possible by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE at Lugere Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau. The suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence, and troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, and ₦12,000.
The source further revealed that coordinated operations across the country led to the killing of two terrorists and the recovery of assorted weapons, ammunition, and logistics items. Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, working with the Nigerian Police and Civilian Joint Task Force, raided a criminal hideout at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area, apprehending 19 suspects who are currently undergoing investigation.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended an ISWAP/JAS terrorist informant and ransom collector in Borno. Additionally, troops ambushed and neutralised two terrorists at Ngirbuwa Village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe, recovering an AK-47 rifle with three magazines.
The Nigerian Army also announced the arrest of six suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe States. Troops recovered 33 jerrycans of petrol, food items, mobile phones, and fake identification cards belonging to the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, allegedly used to conceal criminal activities. Several victims who escaped from terrorist enclaves in Kukawa, following intense military bombardment, were rescued and given medical attention.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their resilience, operational efficiency, and professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations to rid the country of criminal elements. The Nigerian Army remains committed to creating a secure environment that will enable economic recovery, boost agricultural productivity, and advance the Federal Government’s goal of ensuring food security and national stability.