The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has continued its relentless offensive against terrorists, bandits, oil thieves, and other criminal elements across the country, neutralized scores of insurgents, arrested collaborators, and rescued kidnapped victims in various operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during the bi-weekly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, today, Thursday, 20th March 2025. He highlighted the significant achievements recorded by the military between March 10 and 20, 2025, as troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces and other security agencies, executed targeted raids, ambushes, clearance missions, and search-and-rescue operations, delivering heavy blows to criminal networks.
In the Northeast, troops in Borno and Yobe States intensified their assault on ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists, leading to mass surrenders of fighters along with their families. In various offensive operations across Gwoza, Dikwa, Chibok, and Bama, troops neutralized several terrorists, rescued hostages, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition. Fourteen terrorist collaborators were arrested with incriminating materials, including IED components and large quantities of fuel meant for insurgents. The military also handed over 75 rescued persons, including women and children, to the Borno State Government.
In the Northwest, AFN troops successfully ambushed terrorists and dismantled their hideouts in Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States. A top terrorist commander, Babangida, was eliminated in a raid on the notorious Dan Sa’adi enclave in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State. Security forces also arrested wanted terrorists and a known gunrunner, Shehu Bagiwaye, in Zamfara and Sokoto States, seizing several AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and motorcycles.
Troops in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue States recorded notable successes in counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts. A notorious gunrunner, Mr. Sengi David, was arrested with a stockpile of ammunition in Plateau. In Benue and Nasarawa, security forces neutralized violent extremists, including gang leaders known as “Jagaban” and “Dan Danger,” recovered weapons, motorcycles, and charms.
The battle against oil theft in the South-South saw a major breakthrough, with troops foiled illegal refining activities valued at over ₦461 million. Security forces recovered 247,629 liters of stolen crude oil and 198,374 liters of illegally refined diesel, while destroying 21 illegal refining sites, 36 cooking ovens, and 33 storage tanks. Seventeen oil thieves were arrested, and arms, ammunition, and vehicles were seized.
In the Southeast, troops engaged IPOB/ESN fighters in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States, neutralized several operatives and arresting others. Security forces also dismantled terrorist camps and recovered weapons, IEDs, and ammunition. In joint operations with the NDLEA, multiple arrests were made in Enugu and Anambra States.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in line with its constitutional responsibilities, promising sustained pressure against criminal elements nationwide. With the momentum of these operations, he said the AFN remained resolute in its mission to eliminate threats and restore peace across Nigeria.
