In a significant show of strength and coordination, the Nigerian Armed Forces have dealt another decisive blow to terrorists, kidnappers, and oil thieves across various regions of the country. This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Markus Kangye, in a weekly operational update covering the period from April 17 to 25, 2025.
According to Major General Kangye, the troops recorded several operational successes in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and economic sabotage in all theatres of operation. These included the neutralization of terrorists, arrests of criminal suspects, and rescue of kidnapped victims.
In the North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, intensified clearance missions and coordinated air-ground operations led to the surrender of scores of ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters, including their families. At the same time, troops recovered arms, ammunition, IEDs, and rescued 14 kidnap victims during engagements in Borno and Yobe States.
In the North West, troops under Operation FASAN YAMMA engaged terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, resulting in the neutralization of several fighters, arrest of 5 suspects, and rescue of 10 kidnapped persons. Notably, troops intercepted N8 million believed to be ransom money and recovered arms, motorcycles, and other logistics items.
The North Central theatre, particularly under Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE, recorded the arrest of over 46 criminal elements across Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States. Troops also dismantled multiple terrorist camps, recovered illegal weapons, mining equipment, and successfully rescued kidnapped civilians.
In the oil-rich South South, the military made sweeping gains under Operation DELTA SAFE, recovering over 89,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 46,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and dismantling 35 illegal refining sites. The estimated value of recovered petroleum products and dismantled operations is over N94 million. Twenty-nine oil thieves were arrested, and several arms and logistics vehicles were seized.
Troops of Operation UDO KA operating in the South East engaged IPOB/ESN criminal elements in Imo, Anambra, and Enugu States. The operations led to the destruction of terrorist camps, neutralization of armed fighters, arrest of suspects, and rescue of kidnapped victims.
Major General Markus Kangye emphasized that the Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating threats and securing the nation. “The operations are yielding positive results, and our troops are determined to sustain the momentum until peace and stability are fully restored across Nigeria,” he stated.
He urged citizens to continue supporting the military by providing credible intelligence, reiterated that the collective efforts of all Nigerians are vital in winning the fight against insecurity.
