Nigerian Army Destroys Terrorist Stronghold in Forest Offensive

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have achieved a significant operational milestone under Operation IGBO IDANU I, overrunning a major terrorist camp linked to the network of Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu.
The operation dealt a strategic setback to the group, with troops advancing through dense forest terrain and navigating multiple riverine obstacles to reach the objective. Despite difficult conditions, including fallen trees and marshy ground that restricted movement, the soldiers maintained tactical discipline and pressed forward with determination.
The mission was personally led by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi. In a calculated move to achieve tactical surprise, troops dismounted and advanced on foot, enabling them to penetrate deep into the terrorist enclave and establish operational dominance.
Although the terrorists fled upon sighting the advancing forces, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the camp, recovering a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. Items recovered included eight boxes of 7.62 x 54 link ammunition—each containing bandoliers of 250 rounds—and a box of high-velocity grenades. The seizure is expected to significantly degrade the group’s logistics capacity and operational effectiveness.
Following the successful clearance, the camp was systematically destroyed and set ablaze to prevent reoccupation. Troops have since intensified patrols and sustained offensive operations within the area to track fleeing elements and forestall any attempt at regrouping.
Military authorities described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to identify and neutralise terrorist hideouts, reaffirming its commitment to protecting communities and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.