The Armed Forces of Nigeria has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing operations across the country, including the neutralization of a high-profile terrorist leader, foiling of oil theft worth over N1.9 billion, arrest of hundreds of criminal elements, and rescue of kidnapped victims.
Disclosing this at the monthly briefing held on 8 May 2025, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that the military remained resolute in its mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, counter terrorism, and protect citizens from emerging threats.
According to him, troops neutralized scores of terrorists in the past month, including a notorious insurgent leader, Nkwachi Eze, also known as Onowu, who had been on the military’s wanted list for orchestrating attacks and kidnappings across the South East. In another significant arrest, one Buhari Umar, a suspected gunrunner and kidnap kingpin terrorizing parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States, was taken into custody.
Notably, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted attempts to siphon crude oil and recovered stolen petroleum products valued at N1.931 billion. The seizure included over 1 million litres of crude oil, hundreds of thousands of litres of illegally refined AGO, DPK, PMS, and several assets used in the illicit trade. Troops also destroyed 95 illegal refining sites and recovered numerous weapons, vehicles, and communication devices.
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified their onslaught, forcing dozens of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, including women and children, to surrender. Operations in Borno and Yobe states led to the arrest of 29 terrorist collaborators caught supplying critical materials to insurgents.
Meanwhile, in the North West, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA engaged terrorists across Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna states. They rescued multiple kidnapped victims and recovered arms, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles, and cash suspected to be used for logistics.
Operations in the North Central under Operations SAFE HAVEN and WHIRL STROKE also saw the arrest of several kidnappers and extremists, rescue of hostages, and recovery of illegal arms. Particularly in Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, anti-kidnapping patrols led to the recovery of over 200 rounds of ammunition and other logistics used by criminal elements.
Major General Kangye commended the gallantry and professionalism of troops and emphasized continued collaboration with local and international partners. He also acknowledged the support of communities and the media in enhancing public awareness and intelligence gathering.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and maintaining law and order in every region of the country.
