Nigerian military eliminates wanted terrorist Onowu, arrests hundreds in nationwide operations

In a significant security breakthrough, Nigerian military forces have neutralised Nkwachi Eze, widely known as “Onowu,” a notorious terrorist leader responsible for orchestrating numerous attacks and kidnappings across the South East.

The operation, conducted in April 2025, was part of a broader campaign targeting insurgents and criminal networks nationwide.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced the development during a press briefing in Abuja. He revealed that Onowu had been on the military’s wanted list due to his involvement in high-profile criminal activities.

Beyond the elimination of Onowu, the military’s efforts yielded substantial results:

* 430 individuals linked to oil theft, terrorism, and other criminal activities were apprehended.

* 173 kidnapped victims were rescued from various locations.

* Over 204 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.

In a related development, troops captured Buhari Umar, a suspected gunrunner and leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Additionally, a five-member kidnapping group was dismantled in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The military also recovered a cache of weapons, including automatic firearms, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, improvised explosive devices, and assorted ammunition.

In the North East, operations led to the arrest of 29 logistics suppliers for terrorist groups in Borno and Yobe states. These individuals confessed to procuring items such as inverter batteries, fuel, and foodstuffs for insurgents.

Meanwhile, in the North West, troops neutralised several terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims during patrols in Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara states. A notable interception occurred on April 30, when a truck carrying concealed motorcycles and ₦3.3 million was seized in Zamfara.

In the North Central region, operations resulted in the neutralisation of an extremist and the arrest of 17 suspected violent extremists in Plateau and Kaduna states.

Major General Kangye emphasised the military’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of its citizens through ongoing strategic operations.

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cc: Daily Post Ng