By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with relevant security agencies, intensified a series of coordinated military operations across all theatres in May 2025, aimed at enhancing national security, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic interests at home and abroad.
These operations, conducted through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, demonstrated the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to confronting the country’s diverse and evolving security threats. The Defence Headquarters reiterated that the safety of military personnel remains a top priority, while also emphasizing its responsibility to keep the Nigerian public adequately informed about the efforts, conduct, and guiding principles behind military engagements.
According to an official signed statement by Major General Edward Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE successfully disrupted illegal oil theft activities in the Niger Delta region during the period under review. The troops foiled oil theft valued at over Thirty-One Million, Four Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eight Naira (N31,417,880.00), seizing 77,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,240 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The operations also led to the discovery and destruction of 96 equipment and 27 illegal refining sites. Items recovered included outboard engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, horses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles.
Troops further recovered a substantial quantity of arms and ammunition including automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assorted live cartridges.
In the North East theatre, troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued their offensive operations between 30 May and 5 June 2025. A notable development was the surrender of scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, as intensified military pressure pushed insurgents to lay down their arms. Operations conducted in Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Kondugga, Damboa, and Abadam led to the neutralization of several terrorists, arrest of six others, and rescue of 22 kidnapped victims. Troops recovered a variety of arms and ammunition, bombs, IEDs and materials, hand grenades, anti-aircraft ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles.
In separate operations from 1 to 4 June 2025, troops apprehended 16 terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators, and a drug peddler in Damaturu, Yunusari, and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State, as well as Damboa, Kondugga, Gwoza, and Kaga LGAs of Borno State. Recovered items included IED-making materials, armoured fabric, mobile phones, motorcycles, vehicles, and the sum of N38,900.00.
On 30 May, twelve kidnapped victims escaped from terrorist camps in Tumbun Dilla, Kukawa LGA of Borno State and were safely rescued by troops leveraging non-kinetic measures. Between 30 May and 2 June 2025, troops responded to terrorist activity in Biu, Mobbar, and Gwoza LGAs, resulting in the neutralization of insurgents and the rescue of 16 kidnapped persons. The camps and equipment used by the terrorists were destroyed during the operations.
In the North West, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA conducted multiple fighting patrols from 30 May to 5 June 2025, encountering terrorists in Sabon Birni, Goronyo, and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State; Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State; and Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. Several terrorists were neutralized, three arrested, and four kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles.
Between 1 and 5 June, troops responded to reports of terrorist activities in Kankara and Dandume LGAs of Katsina State, and Kaura Namoda, Bakura, Talata Mafara, Anka, and Maradun LGAs of Zamfara State. Several terrorists were killed during engagements and two kidnapped victims were rescued. Additionally, on 1 and 2 June, troops acting on intelligence arrested a female suspect believed to be an associate of a wanted terrorist leader known as Kamalu, along with three other individuals in Sabo and Tafa LGAs of Sokoto and Niger States respectively.
In the North Central theatre, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted decisive operations from 30 May to 3 June 2025. Engagements in Riyom, Wase, Mangu, Qua’an Pan, Bassa, and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State and the Plateau-Taraba border, led to the elimination of extremists, arrest of four suspects, and rescue of three kidnapped victims. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the assailants.
Between 30 May and 2 June, troops arrested seven suspected criminals and kidnappers in Mangu, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs. Further counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations conducted in Riyom, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi LGAs led to the death of extremists and rescue of three kidnapped persons. Recovered items included weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and livestock.
In parallel efforts, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE carried out extensive operations across Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger, and Edo States from 29 May to 3 June 2025. Operations in Lafia, Keffi, Kokona, Keana, Karu, and Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State; Logo, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer East, Apa, Konshisha, and Gwer West LGAs of Benue State; Karim Lamido, Lau, and Takum LGAs of Taraba State; and Kabba-Bunu and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State resulted in the elimination of extremists and arrest of five criminals identified as Shimu Ilu Adamu, Ismaila Ilu Hassan, and HIU Michaae (aka Matches), along with six others. Two kidnapped victims were rescued. Troops recovered arms, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles, mobile phones, and N534,600.00 in cash.
On 30 May, troops arrested a suspect named Shittu Muazu Bakasi in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. Items recovered included weapons, military uniforms and accoutrements, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone. Sixteen additional suspects were arrested in Kogi, Lokoja, Suleja, and Karu LGAs of Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States, as well as in Owan West LGA of Edo State. Items recovered included weapons, laptops, vehicles, motorcycles, and N438,810.00. All suspects were handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Further counter-kidnapping operations between 30 May and 3 June in Gwer East and Gwer West LGAs of Benue State and Doma LGA of Nasarawa State led to the death of several criminals, arrest of three, and rescue of two kidnapped victims. Weapons, ammunition, mobile phones, motorcycles, and vehicles were also recovered.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued to clamp down on crude oil thieves in the Niger Delta, recovering 77,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of illegally refined AGO, 2,700 litres of DPK, and 1,240 litres of PMS. Troops destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, 34 dugout pits, 13 boats, one barge, one tugboat, 40 storage tanks, nine drums, and 18 illegal refining sites. They arrested 27 suspected oil thieves and recovered assorted arms, ammunition, outboard engines, pumping and drilling machines, motorcycles, mobile phones, and vehicles.
Between 30 May and 1 June, counter-kidnapping operations in Sapele LGA of Delta State led to the arrest of three criminals and recovery of weapons, mobile phones, laptops, a television set, and a vehicle. Similarly, from 30 May to 4 June, troops arrested 13 suspected vandals and criminals in Sapele, Aniocha North, and Ughelli LGAs of Delta State, as well as Degema and Ekeremor LGAs in Rivers and Bayelsa States respectively.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained momentum in offensive operations and arrested four suspected criminals in Abakaliki and Ikwo LGAs of Ebonyi State and Onitsha North LGA of Anambra State. Arms, ammunition, and a vehicle were recovered. The suspects have since been handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary action.
The Defence Headquarters concluded that troops of the Armed Forces remain resolute in denying freedom of action to terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal elements across the country. The success of ongoing operations is a clear testament to the bravery, resilience, and professionalism of Nigerian troops. The DHQ commended the gallant efforts of all personnel engaged in various operations and reassured Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to securing the nation and ensuring peace across all regions.
