The Nigerian Army has scored a major victory with the arrest of Idris Idris, also known as Babawo Badoo, a wanted terrorist and violent extremist leader. The operations, carried out across multiple locations, also led to the apprehension of 37 other criminal suspects and the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims.
A source at Army Headquarters revealed that two terrorists were killed, while a cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics items was recovered across different theatres of operation. Babawo Badoo is said to be behind several deadly attacks and abductions in the North-Central region.
“He was arrested on October 20 by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE at Lugere Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The arrest followed credible intelligence, and troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, and N12,000,” the source said.
In a separate raid at Saya Village, Bassa Local Government Area, troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Civilian Joint Task Force, apprehended 19 suspects, who are currently under investigation.
Meanwhile, a coordinated operation by the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and JTF Operation Enduring Peace in Kanam Local Government Area resulted in the deaths of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two abducted persons—Muhammadu Sani and Ibrahim Manman—along the Wanka-Dengi road.
Major Samson Zhakom, Media Information Officer of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, said:
“The criminals opened fire on the troops, who responded with superior firepower, neutralising two suspects, while others fled with gunshot wounds. A thorough search of their hideout led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated rifle, eight cartridges, and other items used for their illicit activities. The rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.”
Major Zhakom reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.
