Nigerian Army captures deadly terror leader Babawo Badoo

The Nigerian Army has arrested a notorious insurgent leader, Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo, alongside 37 other criminal suspects during coordinated operations across the country.

A top source at the Army Headquarters who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said the operations also led to the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims and the recovery of several weapons, ammunition, and logistics items.

He added that Babawo Badoo was the mastermind behind numerous deadly attacks and abductions across the North Central region.

“He was arrested on October 20 by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE at Lugere Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The arrest followed credible intelligence that led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a mobile phone, and N12,000,” the source added.

It was also gathered that troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, working with the Nigerian Police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, also raided a criminal hideout at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, leading to the arrest of 19 additional suspects currently under investigation.

In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), also captured an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah (JAS) terrorist informant, who allegedly served as a ransom collector in Borno State.

“Troops also ambushed and neutralised two terrorists at Ngirbuwa Village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and three magazines,” the source added.