Army kills terror ‘kingpin’, others, arrests suspects in coordinated strikes

An alleged notorious terror commander Amirul Fiya alias aka Abu Nazir has been killed during operations by troops of 3 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Rann Kala in Balge LGA, Borno State.

Fiya’s body was one of three the troops discovered after a gun duel with Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP/JAS) terrorists on August 7, who were attacking the community.

A statement Sunday afternoon by the acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Lt.-Col. Onyinyechi Anele, said the troops during exploitation at first light, discovered blood trails at the scene indicating other terrorists escaped with injuries.

She said the operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, one unexploded ordnance, two rocket-propelled grenades, and other items.

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“In a follow-up operation on 9 August, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force/Hybrid Force discovered another terrorist corpse and recovered one QJC 88-barrel gun, one AA gun tripod, 20 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition, a backpack, and a bicycle,” she said.

In Zamfara State, the DAPR said troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2 responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities along Road Gusau–Kaura Namoda in Unguwar Sariki Musulmi, Kaura Namoda LGA on August 8, which forced the criminals to flee abandoning two kidnapped victims that were rescued and reunited with their families.

“Similarly, in Ebonyi State on 9 August 2025, troops of 24 Special Engineer Regiment intervened in a communal crisis between Iyimagwu and Ekpomaka communities in Ikwo LGA. The troops came under fire from an abandoned building and responded decisively, neutralising one armed criminal.

“The operation yielded the recovery of one G3 rifle, 50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and four hand grenades.

“These successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s sovereignty, protect law-abiding citizens, and deny criminal elements the freedom to operate.

“The Army remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and security across Nigeria,” she said.