Scores of Terrorists Killed, 60 Arrested in Nationwide Military Operations

In a major coordinated offensive against terrorist networks, troops of the Nigerian Army have bombed scores of terrorists, arrested a high-profile operative linked to notorious terrorist leader Dogo Gide, and detained 60 suspected collaborators in separate intelligence-led operations across the country. The operations, recorded between August 12 and 13, 2026, also led to the recovery of weapons, military uniforms, and other items, according to military authorities. The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, launched Operation Clean Sweep IV, a coordinated ground and air offensive aimed at intensifying pressure on terrorists and armed criminal elements across the region. The Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operation brings coordinated ground and air actions to bear on identified threats across the North Western States, with the objective of degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their movements and logistics, and denying them the opportunity to establish footholds within Nigerian communities.

In Kaduna State, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion arrested a suspected ISWAP operative at Kadage Check Point while he was allegedly conveying seven pairs of sewn foreign camouflage uniforms to a terrorist camp. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect was a close confidant of Dogo Gide and had been supplying logistics to him, indicating the deep-rooted network of support that enables terrorist operations in the region. Troops recovered 23 yards of foreign camouflage material, two mobile phones, three ATM cards, and an identity card from the suspect, providing valuable intelligence for ongoing operations. The arrest of this high-value target is expected to disrupt supply chains to terrorist camps and weaken the operational capabilities of Dogo Gide’s network.

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In Adamawa State, troops of 226 Battalion, supported by hunters, raided a motor park in Gombi following intelligence on suspected terrorist collaborators allegedly disguising themselves as menial workers and hawkers. The operation led to the arrest of 60 suspects, who are currently being held for further investigation. This follows similar operations in the region, including the recent arrest of a 43-year-old suspected collaborator in Mubi South, Adamawa State, demonstrating the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle support networks for terrorist groups. The arrests send a strong message that those who provide support to terrorists, whether through logistics, shelter, or information, will face the full weight of the law.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation on August 12 around suspected terrorist enclaves in Dutsinma Local Government Area. The operation mounted significant pressure on the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their positions and withdraw into surrounding bushes, while clearance operations are ongoing in the general area. In Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted precision strikes on terrorists who had converged on motorcycles in Anka Local Government Area. The strikes reportedly neutralised scores of terrorists and forced survivors to abandon their motorcycles and flee into surrounding bushes, with air assets subsequently locating and engaging the fleeing terrorists. Troops of 1 Brigade also recovered an RPG bomb during a patrol around Tunga-Jambako in Maradun Local Government Area following an earlier terrorist ambush, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by terrorist elements in the region.

In Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested five suspected terrorists during operations in Chito, Jootar, and Ikyior in Ukum Local Government Area. The troops destroyed the suspected enclaves and recovered two motorcycles and two locally fabricated guns, dealing a significant blow to terrorist operations in the state. The military also intercepted five women and seven children suspected to be family members of terrorists in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, with the group reportedly escaping from a terrorist enclave in Gazuwa Camp. Similarly, six male children were intercepted at Ajiri after reportedly escaping from Murofari Village following clashes between rival terrorist groups, indicating the internal conflicts and fragmentation within terrorist networks. In a related operation, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD foiled an advance by terrorists from Zamfara into Niger State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and 398 rounds of ammunition after following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists riding about 200 motorcycles towards Inana Village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

Danja said a major component of Operation Clean Sweep IV was the effort to contain and dismantle the Lakurawa terrorist network across the theatre. The Lakurawa group has deeper Sahelian roots in the Mali–Niger border region and emerged in northwestern Nigeria between 2016 and 2018 as a community self-defence force before transforming into a violent extremist group that imposes its own interpretation of Islamic law on communities it controls. “The operation is designed to prevent the infiltration and reinforcement of Lakurawa elements into Nigeria while denying the group the opportunity to exploit border areas as corridors for movement, logistics and the establishment of enclaves,” he said. The operation further seeks to block the activities of terrorist elements operating around the River Niger axis and the Kainji Lake National Park, thereby preventing them from using the area as a platform for projecting violence into adjoining communities and other parts of the North West. “The launch of Operation Clean Sweep IV underscores the proactive and sustained posture of Operation Fansan Yamma in confronting evolving terrorist threats across the region. The Theatre remains resolute in protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and denying terrorist elements the opportunity to regroup, reinforce or establish operational footholds,” Danja said.

Scores of Terrorists Killed, 60 Arrested in Nationwide Military Operations

[ICYMI] How Nigerian Medical Doctor Was Promoted to Captain in US Army

Every year, Nigerians across the globe continue to distinguish themselves in various fields of human endeavour, and the United States military is no exception. The latest Nigerian to achieve this rare feat is Chi Uzoma, a Nigerian-born medical doctor who has been promoted to the rank of Captain in the United States Army, marking a significant career milestone for the Nigerian professional serving abroad. Uzoma shared the exciting news on social media on Sunday, August 9, 2026, expressing deep gratitude for the journey that brought her to this moment. In her post on X, she wrote, “Today, I proudly wear the rank of CAPTAIN. The journey has been nothing short of a blessing, and I’m deeply grateful to God for every opportunity that has brought me to this moment.” The announcement was accompanied by a photograph of her in military uniform, bearing the name “UZOMA,” and the post quickly garnered widespread attention and congratulatory messages from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

This promotion to Captain comes just a few months after Uzoma was elevated to the rank of Sergeant in March 2026, demonstrating a swift and consistent progression within the U.S. military. Her rapid advancement through the ranks highlights a period of remarkable professional growth and dedication to service. At the time of her sergeant promotion, she wrote, “Got promoted to Sergeant today. Grateful to God for the journey, the lessons, and challenges that led to this moment. Proud to wear these stripes.” This quick rise from Sergeant to Captain within a few months is unusual and speaks volumes about her competence, discipline, and the high regard in which she is held by her superiors. Her journey is particularly inspiring because she combines her military service with a career as a medical doctor, two demanding professions requiring immense discipline, expertise, and dedication to excel in simultaneously. Her achievement has drawn widespread commendation from Nigerians, especially within the Igbo community, with many celebrating her as an example of professional excellence on the international stage and a role model for young Nigerian women aspiring to careers in medicine or the military.

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Uzoma’s accomplishment adds to a growing and impressive list of Nigerians excelling in the United States Armed Forces. In January 2026, Amanda Azubuike made history as the first Nigerian woman to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, Azubuike began her military journey at age 17 in the Air Force Junior ROTC program and has served for over three decades in senior leadership roles, including at the Pentagon. Her historic promotion was celebrated across Nigeria and the diaspora as a testament to the resilience and excellence of Nigerian professionals on the global stage. In another remarkable achievement, June 2026 saw Colonel T.G. Ajato, a Nigerian Army officer, make history at the United States Army War College by becoming the first International Fellow to win the prestigious Frank Kelly Writing Award for outstanding research. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies and developed model answers approved by the college for future examinations, further cementing Nigeria’s reputation as a nation that produces world-class military and academic talent.

In another noteworthy development from earlier this year, Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu announced his enlistment into the United States Army, completing his Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Momodu, who had a successful acting career with credits including Coming to Nigeria and appearances in Tinsel and The Johnsons, dedicated his enlistment to his late father, a former officer in the Nigeria Police Force. He shared his emotional journey on Instagram, writing, “On April 12, 2026, I honoured my late father in a historic way. Twenty years after his passing, I picked up the baton where he left off in the Nigeria Police Force and carried it forward by getting enlisted into the United States Army.” The actor reflected on the intense demands of military training, describing it as a journey “forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun.” He passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination on his first attempt and now serves as Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment. His transition from the entertainment industry to military service has inspired many young Nigerians to consider careers in the armed forces, showing that it is never too late to pursue a dream.

These achievements collectively tell a powerful story of Nigerian excellence, determination, and service on the global stage. From Captain Chi Uzoma combining medicine with military service, to Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike breaking glass ceilings, to Colonel T.G. Ajato excelling in academic military research, and Specialist Joseph Momodu honoring his father’s legacy, these Nigerians are not just making personal successes—they are uplifting the image of Nigeria and inspiring the next generation. Their journeys demonstrate that with hard work, resilience, and faith, Nigerians can succeed anywhere in the world. As more Nigerians continue to distinguish themselves in various fields globally, their stories serve as powerful reminders that national pride transcends geographical boundaries. Congratulations to Captain Chi Uzoma and all Nigerians making the nation proud through their service and excellence on the global stage.

[ICYMI] How Nigerian Medical Doctor Was Promoted to Captain in US Army

ICPC Uncovers Official Who Enrolled 14 Family Members on Govt Payroll, Another Collected 13 Salaries

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered massive payroll fraud across federal ministries, departments and agencies, revealing that one official fraudulently enrolled 14 members of his family on the public payroll, while another individual collected 13 separate salaries and a private hotel was also registered as a government employee receiving monthly payments.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed these findings on Thursday in Abuja during his keynote address at the 2026 Economic Confidential Lecture and National Spokespersons Award, organised by Image Merchants Promotions Limited. He revealed that investigators had uncovered multiple cases of individuals manipulating government payroll systems to divert public funds through fictitious salary payments. “We discovered that one person enrolled 14 members of his family. He lived in a religious hotel, a hotel at the public office, receiving salaries,” Aliyu said. In another shocking case, a different suspect allegedly placed his wife, daughter, son and other relatives on the payroll and was collecting 13 separate salaries. The commission also found that a hotel had been registered as a public officer and was receiving salaries from government funds.

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The ICPC chairman explained that fraudulent entries were carefully concealed within official records. Names and email addresses of phantom workers appeared on government payrolls, but the bank account numbers linked to those entries belonged to entirely different individuals. “When they insert their names, you will see their name in the payroll. You will see their email. But when you check the account number, you will see the name of the person. So, that is how these things have been done,” he explained. Investigators also found cases where the name of a supposed female employee was linked to a bank account belonging to a man, highlighting the extent of manipulation within payroll systems.

The investigation, which lasted an entire year, identified 908 suspected ghost workers across at least 50 federal ministries, departments and agencies. The commission published the names of these individuals in national newspapers and obtained interim court orders, challenging them to prove they were genuine government employees. According to Aliyu, after one year, not a single person appeared to challenge the action, and the court granted final forfeiture, with the commission recovering over N100 million from their accounts. The Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of suspected ghost workers among all institutions investigated, with 570 names identified during the verification exercise. The National Water Resources Authority followed with 80, while the Federal Ministry of Works had 56 suspected ghost workers. Other affected agencies include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24), Ministry of Defence (19), Ministry of Power (17), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (17), Ministry of Health (15), and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (12). The commission noted that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior were also implicated, though figures were withheld as investigations are ongoing.

The commission recovered about N942 million linked to fraudulent salary payments made to fictitious workers. In a related legal action, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted final forfeiture of N941,994,079.86 seized during investigation into the IPPIS payroll scam. The funds were traced to accounts linked to the scheme following a systems study conducted by the commission in 2023. Aliyu warned that the consequences of payroll fraud extend far beyond salary theft. “Once there is a ghost worker, there is ghost pension, there is ghost mortgage, there is ghost housing fund, there is ghost health insurance,” he said. The ICPC recovered more than N24 billion in ghost pension funds in 2024 alone. He explained that ghost workers and fraudulent pension claims consume resources that could otherwise be used to employ genuine workers, pay legitimate retirees and provide essential public services.

The ICPC chairman said the commission had adopted a preventive approach, focusing on stopping corruption before it occurs rather than relying solely on criminal prosecution. “It is better for us to do that than to engage in filing criminal charges. How many charges can we file?” he asked. He also called for greater use of data and technology in combating corruption, stressing that effective communication and access to reliable information were essential to building public confidence in anti-corruption efforts. Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Yusha’u Shuaib, said the lecture was organised to promote stronger governance through transparency, accountability and professional communication. “We are honoured to host yet another gathering of leaders, professionals, scholars, and communication experts committed to strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and advancing excellence in public communication,” Shuaib said.

ICPC Uncovers Official Who Enrolled 14 Family Members on Govt Payroll, Another Collected 13 Salaries