By Nkechi Eze
A new wave of confidence and stability is sweeping across communities once under the grip of terrorists and criminal gangs, as farmers in Northern Borno, the North West, North Central and other conflict-affected regions have resumed cultivation, following sustained offensive operations by the Nigerian military. This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a media briefing in Abuja, where he highlighted the extensive gains recorded by troops between 10 and 17 July 2025 across all operational theatres.
General Kangye noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working in synergy with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, have not only neutralized scores of terrorists but also recovered massive quantities of stolen crude oil, disrupted criminal logistics networks, arrested high-profile gunrunners, and rescued multiple kidnapped victims. He emphasized that the military remains guided by a clear mandate—to defeat all threats, protect civilians, promote national unity, and uphold constitutional order.
Within the period under review, troops foiled oil theft operations valued at over Two Hundred and Ninety-One Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Four Hundred Naira (N291,326,400.00). Specifically, they recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 1,759 litres of DPK. Also discovered and destroyed were 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums and 19 illegal refining sites. Equipment recovered included pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 13 vehicles. Forty-two oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, and a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives was seized.
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists through coordinated ground and air assaults in Tangalaga, Bula Marwa, Mandara Girau, Agapalwa, New Marte, Kala Balge, Lassa, Kumalia, Karma, and other locations within Bama, Kukawa, Biu, Gwoza and Abadam LGAs of Borno State. Numerous terrorists were eliminated during these engagements. Additional operations in Konduga, Marte, Ngala, Kala-Balge, Damboa, Chibok, and Askira Uba LGAs of Borno as well as Gujba, Geidam, and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State led to the arrest of 11 terrorist collaborators and the rescue of 7 kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered, and several IEDs safely detonated. Troops also recovered the sum of N17,150.00.
A significant breakthrough occurred in Liya, Biu LGA of Borno, where two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were arrested while receiving a suspicious waybill containing 13 military uniforms and high-voltage batteries. In Damasak Motor Park, Yobe State, a 65-year-old terrorist logistics supplier, Shaibu Bulama, was apprehended. On 14 July, 16 family members of terrorists—4 women and 12 children—surrendered in Bama LGA, reportedly coming from Bakura Jega village.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out coordinated strikes in Gudu and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State, as well as Zurmi and Rafi LGAs of Zamfara and Niger States, neutralizing terrorists, arresting 6 suspects, and rescuing 3 kidnapped persons. Contact was also made with armed groups in Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Tsafe, and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State, Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, and Mariga and Malumfashi LGAs of Niger and Katsina States. These operations led to the killing of more terrorists, arrest of 9 suspects, and rescue of 4 hostages. Troops also seized arms, ammunition, and motorcycles, while additional equipment was destroyed in-situ.
On 10 July, three suspected arms traffickers were intercepted in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State with 9 AK-47 rifles, over 450 rounds of ammunition, and N365,600.00. That same day, troops captured a notorious extremist and kidnapper, Gambo Sani, in Toro LGA of Bauchi State.
In the North Central zone, Operation SAFE HAVEN troops responded to multiple threats in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State and Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. Some extremists were neutralized, 12 suspects arrested, and 3 kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered. Meanwhile, 7 militias and criminals were arrested during routine patrols in Barkin Ladi and Jos South (Plateau) and Wamba and Sanga LGAs (Nasarawa and Kaduna). Illicit drugs, weapons, and motorcycles were confiscated.
A remarkable interception occurred on 9 July along the Jos–Sanga Road, where troops stopped a vehicle riddled with bullet holes. Two suspects attempted to bribe the troops with a large sum of money, which was rejected. The troops arrested them and recovered a vehicle, arms, ammunition, and N13,742,000.00. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.
In Operation WHIRL STROKE theatre, successes were recorded in Wukari, Karim Lamido, and Donga LGAs of Taraba; Ukum and Guma LGAs of Benue; Awe, Keffi, Akwanga, and Obi LGAs of Nasarawa; and Yagba West, Dekina, and Okene LGAs of Kogi. Several extremists were neutralized, 13 arrested, and 5 hostages rescued. Cannabis and other illicit drugs, alongside weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles, were also recovered.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued to dismantle oil theft syndicates, recovering stolen crude and arresting perpetrators. In Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State, as well as Oshimili, Warri South, and Ukwani LGAs of Delta State, a known cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim (a.k.a. Commander Junior), and 13 suspected criminals/kidnappers were arrested. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered. In Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, troops raided a hideout on 10 July, arresting 28 oil thieves and drug dealers.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops maintained pressure on separatist elements, killing two IPOB/ESN members, arresting 14 suspects, and rescuing six kidnapped victims in Aguata and Ihiala LGAs (Anambra), Isiala Ngwa South and Arochukwu (Abia), and Okigwe (Imo). On 14 July, troops rescued two more victims in Udi LGA, Enugu. Earlier, on 10 July, troops apprehended an IPOB/ESN collaborator who was tasked with collecting illegal taxes on behalf of the group in Ihiala LGA. The sum of N1,500,000.00 was recovered from him.
General Kangye concluded the briefing with optimism, stating that the resumption of farming in previously volatile regions is a major indication of the military’s success in degrading terrorist and criminal threats. Troops continue to conduct aggressive foot and aerial patrols to secure farming communities and enable sustainable livelihood restoration.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to constitutional order, operational rules of engagement, and the laws of armed conflict. Calling for continued vigilance and cooperation from the public, he urged citizens to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities. He commended the media for its critical role and assured that the Defence Headquarters will continue to provide timely and transparent updates.
