By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations across all theatres in the past week, recording significant gains in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and separatist violence. These concerted efforts led to the elimination of scores of criminals, arrests of several others, rescue of kidnapped victims, and the surrender of some insurgents.
In a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the military operations showcased the professionalism, resilience, and strategic depth of the Armed Forces in confronting a broad spectrum of security threats facing the country.
In the South-South region under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops foiled oil theft valued at over N263,843,522. The recovery included 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 947 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In addition, troops discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 9 boats, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums, and 15 illegal refining sites. Eight oil thieves were arrested and nine vehicles seized, while arms, ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and IED-making materials were also recovered.
Troops of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, conducted multiple offensives between July 4 and 9 in Platari, Sambisa Forest, and the Timbuktu Triangle, eliminating scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. As operational tempo increased, numerous terrorists, including women and children, surrendered to troops across locations in Borno and Adamawa States. In separate engagements in Gwoza, Kaga, Mafa, Ngala, Abadam, Bama, Biu, Konduga, Damboa, Dikwa and Madagali, troops killed several terrorists, arrested five collaborators, rescued four kidnapped victims, and recovered various arms and ammunition. A high-profile terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, also surrendered with his weapons in Bama LGA. Troops safely detonated several IEDs and recovered a total of N822,500.
In the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out a major joint offensive involving air and ground forces on July 10 in Jam-Gemu, Maskekari, Yarbuga, and Kinduntu villages in Gusau LGA, Zamfara State. The operation led to the elimination of several terrorist leaders and commanders. Additional contacts in Maru, Talata Mafara, Binji, Sabon Birni, Illela, Danko-Wasagu, Arewa, Matazu, and Katsina LGAs yielded further successes. Troops killed several terrorists, arrested five, and rescued two kidnapped victims. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and N28,720, while several terrorist camps and equipment were destroyed.
In the North Central theatre, Operation SAFE HAVEN troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls in Wase, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State, and Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State. Several extremists were killed, 18 suspects arrested, and seven kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and a vehicle. Notably, on July 6, troops arrested a militia operative in an ambush position along Kafi-Abu-Rakwok road in Barkin Ladi. He was found with a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE achieved similar results in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi States and the Federal Capital Territory. In areas including Makurdi, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Karim Lamido, Takum, Jalingo, Nasarawa Eggon, Kabba Bunu, and Kuje, troops eliminated extremists, arrested eight suspects, and rescued two kidnapped victims. A notorious extremist kingpin, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, also known as Bajor, was apprehended in Takum LGA of Taraba State with weapons and dangerous items in his possession.
Further operations under Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South resulted in the recovery of an additional 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 947 litres of PMS. Troops also destroyed refining infrastructure including ovens, dugout pits, storage tanks, and boats. Arms, explosives, vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment were also recovered. Five suspected kidnappers and criminals were arrested in Oshimili and Ughelli North LGAs of Delta State and Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained aggressive operations during the week. Following the earlier arrest of a POS vendor on June 26, further investigations led to the apprehension of a key sponsor and logistics supplier to the Mother Valley IPOB/ESN camp on July 2 in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Items recovered included four POS machines, two mobile phones, and N250,600. Additionally, four suspected IPOB/ESN members and informants were arrested in Anambra and Imo States.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security, Major General Kangye stated that the military remains determined to secure every part of the country through evolving strategies and collaborative efforts. He acknowledged the vital role of public support and inter-agency cooperation in achieving current successes and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute and committed to defending the territorial integrity of our nation and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. Our operations across the various regions are yielding tangible results, Together, we will secure Nigeria for our future generations.” the statement concluded.
