Nigerian Army kills 3 terrorists, including notorious kingpin in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of three terrorists — including a notorious kingpin identified as Amirul Fiya, also known as Abu Nazir during a foiled attack on a military base in Borno State.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, troops of the 3 Battalion, stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Rann Kala, Balge Local Government Area, successfully repelled the assault on August 7, 2025.

The army said the swift and decisive response prevented what could have been a deadly raid, further demonstrating the military’s commitment to neutralising terrorist threats in the North-East.

According to Lt.-Col. Anele, the terrorists, suspected to be members of ISWAP/JAS, launched a coordinated offensive but were swiftly overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower. Several weapons and other items were recovered from the scene after the clash.

She said troops discovered the corpses of three terrorists, including their top commander identified as Abu Nazir.

Anene added that the blood trails at the scene indicated that other terrorists escaped with injuries resulting in a follow-up operation.

The statement said the initial operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, an unexploded ordnance, two rocket-propelled grenades, and other items.

Furthermore, in a follow-up operation on 9 August, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force/Hybrid Force discovered another terrorist corpse and recovered one QJC 88-barrel gun, one AA gun tripod, 20 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition, a backpack, and a bicycle.

Relatedly, in Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2, on 8 August, 2025, responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities along Road Gusau–Kaura Namoda in Unguwar Sariki Musulmi, Kaura Namoda LGA.

She said the swift response forced the terrorists to flee, leading to the rescue of two kidnapped victims who have since been reunited with their families.

Similarly, in Ebonyi State on 9 August 2025, troops of 24 Special Engineer Regiment intervened in a communal crisis between Iyimagwu and Ekpomaka communities in Ikwo local government area.

Anele said the troops came under fire from an abandoned building and responded decisively, neutralising one armed criminal, adding that the operation led to the recovery of one G3 rifle, 50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and four hand grenades.