By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, working in close coordination with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, sustained a high-intensity operational tempo across all theatres of operation during the second quarter of 2025, recording significant successes in the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities threatening national peace and stability. This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during the quarterly media briefing held in Abuja, covering the period between April and June 2025.
According to Major General Kangye, despite some isolated setbacks due to improvised explosive devices planted by non-state actors, Nigerian troops across all regions exhibited a remarkable blend of courage, professionalism, resilience, and operational efficiency in confronting and neutralizing threats to national security. The Nigerian military, he noted, continued to demonstrate a proactive and aggressive posture in confronting insurgents, bandits, separatists, and economic saboteurs, resulting in the degradation of multiple enemy networks.
During the quarter under review, the Armed Forces successfully neutralized a large number of terrorists and bandits, arrested no fewer than 1,191 suspects involved in terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other crimes, while 543 kidnapped victims were rescued from various locations nationwide. In addition, sustained firepower and pressure across all theatres led to the surrender of 682 Boko Haram and ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including their families. The Defence Headquarters listed some of the high-profile terrorists eliminated as Amir Abu Fatimah, Kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, also known as Onowu. Another major development came just two days prior to the briefing when the notorious bandit kingpin, Yellow Danbokkolo, died from injuries sustained during a recent encounter with Nigerian troops in which several of his lieutenants were also neutralized.
The quarter also witnessed the successful arrest of multiple individuals on the military’s watchlist, including notorious gunrunners and kidnappers such as Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Ilu Adamu, Ismaila Ilu Hassan, Michael, and Shittu Muazu Bakassi. These individuals are currently in custody undergoing interrogation and profiling. In a related operation in the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled a massive network of illegal oil refiners, successfully foiling crude oil theft estimated at over ₦3.5 billion. The troops recovered 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO, 41,465 litres of DPK, and 26,905 litres of PMS. A total of 174 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed during the operation, while 45 vehicles used in the illegal trade were confiscated.
The Director of Defence Media Operations also disclosed that troops recovered a large cache of weapons, including automatic firearms, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated weapons, and multiple improvised explosive devices that had already been primed for detonation by the terrorists. Other recovered items included a wide array of assorted ammunition and IED-making materials.
Providing theatre-specific updates, Maj. Gen. Kangye stated that troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre recorded major breakthroughs in the final week of the quarter. Between 27 June and 2 July 2025, a large number of ISWAP and JAS terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Bama, Chibok, and Ngala LGAs of Borno State, as well as Gujba and Madagali LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa States. In offensive operations conducted within the same period, troops neutralized terrorists and arrested 32 suspects. They also recovered quantities of arms, RPG bombs, IEDs, and materials used for making explosives.
Furthermore, 11 logistics suppliers and terrorist collaborators were apprehended in Monguno, Kaga, Kukawa, and Ngala LGAs of Borno State, as well as Nguru and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State. Recovered items included ICT devices, motorcycle spare parts, solar panels, fertilizers, mobile phones, illicit drugs, and vehicles. In separate counter-IED operations, troops responded to threats in Gwoza and Gujba, recovered and detonated several explosives, and eliminated hostile elements in the process.
In the North West under Operation FASAN YAMMA, troops conducted multiple fighting patrols between 27 and 30 June in Kankara and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State, Danko-Wasagu and Birnin Kebbi LGAs of Kebbi State, and Tangaza and Tsafe LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States. Troops made contact with terrorists, killed several of them, rescued four kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons and ammunition. Six suspected terrorists were arrested in Dutsinma and Tangaza LGAs between 28 and 29 June and are currently under military custody.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN carried out a series of coordinated operations between 28 June and 2 July 2025. Extremists were engaged in Bokkos, Riyom, Bassa, Jos North, and Kaura LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States. Several were neutralized, and two kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle were recovered. Nine suspects were arrested across Riyom, Jos North, Bassa, and Barkin Ladi LGAs. Further anti-crime operations in Riyom, Jos South, Bassa, Sanga, and Zango Kataf LGAs led to more extremists being killed or arrested, the rescue of four kidnapped persons, and the recovery of multiple arms, vehicles, motorcycles, and livestock.
Similarly, in the North Central’s Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops neutralized extremists and rescued six kidnapped victims during offensive operations in Wukari, Ussa, and Takum LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Patigi and Kaiama LGAs of Kwara State and Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. Two extremists were arrested and weapons recovered. Troops also apprehended five criminals in Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs, as well as Lokoja and Edu LGAs of Kogi and Kwara States. Additionally, eight illegal miners were arrested in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT with mining tools, arms, motorcycles, and other equipment. In counter-kidnapping missions, troops neutralized extremists and seized arms in Guma and Konshisha LGAs of Benue State and Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued aggressive operations to disrupt oil theft activities and criminal networks in the South-South region. In addition to the recovery of hundreds of thousands of litres of stolen crude and refined products, troops destroyed 52 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 11 boats, 36 storage tanks, 36 drums, and 25 refining sites. Equipment like drilling machines, pumping machines, tricycles, vehicles, and mobile phones were also seized. Twelve oil thieves were arrested. In Akwa Ibom State’s Oron LGA, 15 kidnapped victims abandoned by pirates were rescued, while eight suspects were apprehended in Ogbia and Eleme LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops sustained pressure on IPOB/ESN criminal elements. Between 28 and 30 June 2025, troops arrested 21 suspects engaged in illicit drug trade and recovered firearms, IEDs, vehicles, motorcycles, and communication equipment during operations in Owerri West and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra States. On 2 July, in collaboration with DSS operatives, troops raided hideouts in Idemili North LGA of Anambra, arresting Emeka Ede, Okwudili Aja, and Onyebuchi Aja. Intelligence reports linked them to the July 12 kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander in Anambra. The raid yielded arms, ammunition, and illicit substances. In a separate development on 26 June, troops acting on intelligence arrested two suspects at a POS terminal linked to IPOB/ESN in Ihiala, recovering ₦1,561,400, eight phones, and transaction booklets.
In his closing remarks, Major General Kangye commended field commanders and personnel across all regions for their tenacity and professionalism. He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remained guided by the Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations, the Laws of Armed Conflict, and the Rules of Engagement. He also extended appreciation to members of the media for their continued partnership in public enlightenment and truthfully reporting the accomplishments of Nigerian troops.
He concluded by reiterating the Armed Forces’ unyielding commitment to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the Nigerian state and assured citizens that operations would be sustained until peace and stability are fully restored across all troubled regions of the country.
