Nigerian Military Arrests Notorious Terrorist Habu Dogo and Scores of IPOB Operatives in Major Operations

In a significant achievement in its fight against terrorism and organized crime, the Nigerian Military has announced the arrest of notorious terrorist Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo.

Dogo, a key figure in cross-border terrorism activities between Nigeria and Niger, was apprehended in Rumji village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

His arrest comes as part of a recent series of operations detailed in an official update released on Saturday by military spokesperson Edward Buba.

Dogo’s arrest highlights the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in northern Nigeria and across its borders. Known for his brutal tactics and extensive criminal activities, Dogo’s detention is expected to impact terrorist activities in the region.

In addition to the northern operations, the military also reported success in the southeastern part of the country, where it arrested seven commanders and operatives associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group.

Among those detained were high-ranking figures including Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, also known as “Chapet,” who were apprehended in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State.

Others arrested include Ngozi Chukwuka and Oyekachi Ohia in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, and Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba in Umunneochi LGA, Abia. Another suspect, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, was detained in Orsu LGA, Imo State.

The arrests are part of a sweeping campaign targeting insurgency, oil theft, and organized crime across Nigeria.

In the past week alone, the military reported arresting a total of 262 suspects, killing 187 criminals, rescuing 147 kidnapped individuals, and recovering a large cache of weapons and ammunition.

Massive Cache of Recovered Arms and Ammunition

During the operations, the military recovered a vast array of weapons, including:

• 2 G3 rifles
• 2 PKT guns
• 89 AK47 rifles
• 22 fabricated rifles
• 22 Dane guns
• 2 FN rifles
• 2 pistols
• 2 fabricated revolver pistols
• 27 locally-made pistols
• 19 pump-action guns
• 8 double-barrel guns
• 1 DICON pistol and 1 Barretta pistol

The seized ammunition included 5,241 rounds of various calibres, such as 7.62mm special, NATO rounds, and 9mm cartridges, along with 662 live cartridges. Additional items confiscated included Baofeng radios, 6 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, and 55 mobile phones.

Anti-Oil Theft and Illegal Refinery Operations Yield Further Successes

In the ongoing battle against oil theft and illegal refining, the military reported the recovery of over ₦1.2 billion in assets from oil thieves.

A total of 39 individuals were arrested, and the military destroyed several assets associated with illegal refining. These include 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, 30 storage tanks, and 98 illicit refining sites.

The crackdown on illegal refineries also led to the seizure of 873,510 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO), 4 speedboats, one tricycle, four pumping machines, an outboard engine, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, and three vehicles.

The Nigerian Military’s recent operations have sent a strong message to criminal organizations nationwide. With these ongoing efforts, the military remains committed to eradicating threats to national security, protecting resources, and maintaining peace across Nigeria.