By Nkechi Eze
In a sustained push to protect national sovereignty, neutralize security threats, and maintain internal stability, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to conduct coordinated and strategic operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones. These efforts have led to the arrest of dozens of criminals, foiling of oil theft operations worth millions, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the rescue of multiple kidnapped victims. The operations, conducted between 20 and 26 June 2025, reflect the unwavering commitment of the military to the safety of every Nigerian citizen and the protection of lives and property.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that the operations were executed with strict adherence to the rule of law and in alignment with the Armed Forces’ mandate to ensure peace and justice throughout the federation. “In line with our steadfast dedication to safeguarding national security and upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Nigeria, the Armed Forces of Nigeria persist in executing meticulously planned strategic operations that effectively neutralize potential threats and uphold peace within our borders,” the statement read.
The military’s presence has been active across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions, with troops achieving substantial operational successes.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE prevented oil theft worth ₦83,722,425, intercepting 76,610 litres of stolen crude oil and 8,425 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The troops also destroyed 11 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 8 boats, 14 storage tanks, 16 drums, and 10 illegal refining sites. Other recovered items include outbound engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, horses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and three vehicles. In the same operation, troops arrested 46 suspects and recovered assorted arms and ammunition. In another raid on 18 June, troops arrested 15 criminals in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Furthermore, on 23 June, troops engaged armed cultists attacking security agencies in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State, arrested two suspects, and recovered weapons. On 20 June, troops acting on intelligence arrested a suspect, Frank May, with firearms in Warri South LGA of Delta State.
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI recorded the surrender of scores of ISWAP and JAS terrorists, including men, women, and children, as military pressure mounted. From 20 to 25 June, troops carried out offensive operations in Balge, Gwoza, Kukawa, Dambo, Konduga, and Chibok LGAs of Borno State, killing several terrorists, rescuing three kidnapped victims, and recovering arms, ammunition, foodstuffs, motorcycles, and vehicles. Additionally, from 21 to 26 June, troops arrested 11 terrorists’ logistics suppliers and collaborators in Ngazai, Konduga, Dikwa, and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council in Borno State, as well as Gujba and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State. Recovered items included a vehicle, motorcycle, mobile phones, and bicycles. The troops also responded to intelligence on terrorist activities in Dikwa, Balge, Chibok, and Ngazai from 22 to 26 June, killing terrorists and rescuing two kidnapped victims.
In the North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops between 21 and 26 June engaged terrorists in multiple LGAs including Talata Mafara, Tsafe, and Shinkafi in Zamfara State; Kankara and Kurfi in Katsina State; and Tangaza, Binji, and Kaduna North in Sokoto and Kaduna States. Several terrorists were neutralized, while weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles were recovered. Additional operations in Silame, Sabon Birni, and Kware LGAs of Sokoto State, Zuru and Danko-Wasagu in Kebbi State, and Mariga in Niger State resulted in the deaths of more terrorists and the arrest of two suspects. Troops also recovered unexploded ordnance, weapons, and ammunition. Between 20 and 24 June, five suspected terrorists were apprehended in Faskari and Malumfashi LGAs of Katsina State and Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted operations between 21 and 24 June in Riyom, Bokkos, and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State and Karu LGA of Kaduna State. Several extremists were killed, four arrested, and three kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered weapons and ammunition. From 20 to 22 June, three suspected violent extremists were arrested in Riyom and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. Between 21 and 26 June, anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations led to the killing of extremists and the arrest of 33 suspects across Jos North, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Qua’an Pan LGAs of Plateau State and Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. Two kidnapped victims were rescued, and arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and livestock recovered.
In the North Central under Operation WHIRL STROKE, from 20 to 26 June, troops conducted offensive operations in Lau, Takum, and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State and Karu and Lafia LGAs of Nasarawa State. Several extremists were killed, nine arrested, and six kidnapped victims rescued. Recovered items included weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles. Further anti-criminal operations in Guma, Makurdi, and Gwer West LGAs of Benue State as well as Karim Lamido and Yagba West LGAs of Taraba and Kogi States saw more extremists killed, three arrested, and four hostages freed. Troops acting on intelligence arrested 11 extremists and kidnappers in Esan South East and Orhionwon LGAs of Edo State and Keffi and Patigi LGAs of Nasarawa and Kwara States, respectively. Additional operations in Suleja LGA of Niger State from 21 to 25 June led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims and recovery of weapons, motorcycles, vehicles, and phones.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on criminal elements. On 18 June, troops raided a terrorist camp in Okigwe LGA of Imo State, arresting an injured terrorist under treatment and recovering hospital equipment, weapons, ammunition, IEDs, and radios. The camp was destroyed. In Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, three terrorist collaborators were arrested on 21 and 24 June. On 20 June, troops arrested a car snatcher in Osisioma LGA of Abia State during anti-criminality patrols.
Major General Markus Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “This operation underscores our dedication to restoring peace, ensuring the safety of all citizens, and dismantling threats to national security. We commend the bravery and professionalism of our personnel and urge all Nigerians to continue cooperating with security agencies. Together, we will achieve lasting peace and stability across the country,” he concluded in the official statement dated 27 June 2025.
The military continues to call for public support and credible information to further facilitate operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and securing Nigeria’s territorial space.
