The Nigerian military has stepped up operations against marabouts and spiritualists accused of helping terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country.

The military also said it would move against illegal currency operations in parts of the South-east. It said some gunrunners supplying weapons to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) were using currencies other than the naira.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops arrested a suspected marabout in a forest in Kogi State alongside suspected gunrunners.

Onoja said troops across different operations killed 317 terrorists and other criminals, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 civilians. He added that 18 terrorists also surrendered to troops.

He said troops recovered 93 weapons, destroyed three illegal refining sites and recovered 21,910 litres of petroleum products.

According to him, the military has increased efforts to break networks supporting terrorism and other crimes.

“On 21 May 2026, troops carried out an operation around Felele in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. The operation led to the arrest of two suspected logistics suppliers and marabouts accused of providing spiritual support and supplies to criminals operating in Agbaja Forest.

“Troops recovered four vigilante ID cards, two NIN slips, two ATM cards, two machetes, two phones, herbal items and N20,000. The suspects are being interrogated.”

Onoja also said troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained operations across Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states against IPOB/ESN members and other criminal groups.

He said troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State with illegal Biafran currency notes.

According to him, troops also recovered a locally made Dane gun during an operation in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, ordered stronger security operations in the Oriire area through aerial surveillance and ground troops working with state authorities.

The military said operations were already producing useful intelligence and troops would continue pressure on criminal groups until those responsible are arrested.

Oluyede also asked commanders to maintain professionalism and protect civilians while carrying out operations.

He urged Nigerians to continue giving useful information to security agencies, saying public support had helped military operations. (AriseNews TV, bit headline reworked)

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