In a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency and violent extremism, the Nigerian Army has arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin, Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo, alongside 37 other criminal suspects during coordinated operations across several parts of the country.
The nationwide operations also resulted in the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims, the neutralization of two terrorists, and the recovery of assorted weapons, ammunition, and logistics items, the Army said.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the high-profile suspect, Babawo Badoo, was captured on October 20, 2025, by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE at Lugere Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops apprehended the insurgent leader and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, and the sum of ₦12,000. The Army described the arrest as “a major blow to the network of violent extremists operating in the North Central region.”
In a related operation, troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), raided a criminal hideout at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting 19 suspects who are currently undergoing investigation.
Meanwhile, in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working in concert with the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended an ISWAP/JAS terrorist informant and ransom collector at the Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
Similarly, troops ambushed and neutralized two terrorists at Ngirbuwa Village in Gujba Local Government Area, recovering one AK-47 rifle with three magazines.
In further operations, troops arrested six suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe States. Items recovered included 33 petrol-filled 25-litre jerrycans, food items, mobile phones, and identification cards belonging to members of the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, allegedly used to disguise their activities.
Troops also rescued several victims who escaped from terrorist enclaves during a military bombardment in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Elsewhere, troops of Operations WHIRL STROKE and ENDURING PEACE intensified clearance operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States, leading to the arrest of several violent extremist informants and the recovery of locally fabricated weapons.
In the South East, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo State apprehended a suspected IPOB/ESN member found in possession of a locally made pistol and live cartridges, while 7 Guards Battalion troops in the Federal Capital Territory intercepted five illegal immigrants of Chadian, Cameroonian, and Nigerien origin.
Additionally, troops rescued four kidnapped victims in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, five in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State, and one during a swift response to a distress call in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.
In Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, troops also rescued two injured civilians following an attack by unidentified assailants and evacuated them to a nearby hospital.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their resilience, operational efficiency, and dedication, urging them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring a safer environment conducive to economic growth and agricultural activities, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.
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