Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified counter-terrorism efforts across multiple regions, killing scores of terrorists and arresting several suspects during coordinated operations in the past week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during the weekly briefing on ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces in Abuja.
General Kangye said troops also apprehended perpetrators of oil theft and rescued kidnapped hostages.
In the Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over ₦291,326,400. They recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 1,759 litres of DPK.
Troops also destroyed 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 19 illegal refining sites. Other recovered items include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 13 vehicles.
Additionally, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested. Assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered.
Giving an overview of other operations, General Kangye highlighted the activities of JTF NE OPHK, JTF NW OPFY, JTF NC OPSH, and JTF NC OPWS.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained efforts to deny Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action. As a result, 16 family members of terrorists — including four adult females and 12 children — surrendered in Bama LGA. Preliminary investigations revealed they surrendered from Bakura Jega village.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to terrorist activities in Gudu and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State, as well as Zurmi and Rafi LGAs of Zamfara and Niger States. They eliminated some terrorists, arrested nine, and rescued four kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition, and motorcycles were recovered, while other equipment was destroyed in situ.
Troops also arrested three suspected gunrunners in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State with nine AK-47 rifles, over 450 rounds of assorted ammunition, and ₦365,600. The same day, a notorious extremist and kidnapper, Gambo Sani, was arrested in Toro LGA of Bauchi State.
In the North Central, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. They killed some extremists, arrested 12, and rescued three kidnapped victims. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered.
Troops on patrol also arrested seven militias and criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna States. Items recovered included weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and illicit drugs.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes in Wukari, Karim Lamido, and Donga LGAs of Taraba State, and Ukum and Guma LGAs of Benue State. They eliminated extremists, arrested 13, and rescued five kidnapped victims. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles, cannabis, and other illicit drugs.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained an offensive posture, killing two suspected IPOB/ESN members, arresting 14, and rescuing six kidnapped victims in Aguata and Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State, and Isiala-Ngwa South, Arochukwu, and Okigwe LGAs of Abia and Imo States.
Also, troops rescued two kidnapped victims during an intelligence-led operation in Udi LGA of Enugu State on 14 July 2025.
In another operation, troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN collaborator tasked with collecting illegal taxes on behalf of the terrorists in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State. They recovered ₦1,500,000 from the suspect.
General Kangye said it was “heartwarming to report that farmers in the North East, particularly Northern Borno, North West, North Central, and other conflict-affected areas have resumed farming as troops have significantly degraded terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements who previously obstructed farming activities.”
He added that troops are conducting aggressive foot and aerial patrols to guarantee security for farmers.
General Kangye reemphasised that the Nigerian military, in collaboration with stakeholders, remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, securing the people, and upholding constitutional order.
Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed for Late Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President in 2015 for 2 terms.
PIAK