By Nkechi Eze
In a continued effort to dismantle the network of insurgents, bandits, oil thieves and other enemies of the state, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) executed a series of intense operations across all theatres during the month of July 2025. While briefing the press on the outcome of the operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed that the military remains fully engaged in tackling insurgency, banditry, oil theft, communal violence, and other forms of criminalities with the ultimate aim of restoring peace, protecting lives and property, and preserving the sovereignty of the nation.
He stated that the Armed Forces, under the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, is carrying out these operations in line with the directives of the Commander-in-Chief and in strict compliance with the rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, and respect for human rights. The July briefing, he noted, covered recent successes, ongoing challenges, and the strategic outlook for military operations nationwide.
According to the report, within the month under review, troops operating in various theatres neutralised large numbers of terrorists, arrested 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements, and successfully rescued 134 kidnapped victims. A significant milestone was also recorded as a terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, and 151 other terrorists, including their family members, surrendered to the Nigerian troops. Among those eliminated during the offensive operations were high-profile terrorist leaders Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar.
Major General Kangye also revealed that several notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the military’s watch list were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation. These include Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi Ali Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (alias Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama, Isah Abdullahi, and Abdullahi Mohammed. Others arrested were a cultist identified as Prince Justin Ishimiri and an extremist kingpin, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, popularly known as Bajor. Additionally, notable airstrike missions were conducted within the areas of responsibility of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger State and along the Zamfara-Kebbi State border axis.
In the South-South theatre under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops recorded a major success by foiling oil theft activities valued at over One Billion, Three Hundred and Twelve Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, Eighty-Five Naira (N1,312,575,085.00). The breakdown of the seizure includes 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil, 269,257 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,759 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 3,447 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Troops also discovered and destroyed 126 crude oil cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, 39 boats, 83 storage tanks, 88 drums, 35 vehicles, and 73 illegal refining sites. During these operations, 285 oil thieves and other criminal suspects were arrested, while assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered.
Between 22 and 30 July 2025, in the North East theatre under Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained momentum against Boko Haram, JAS, and ISWAP elements. Joint ground forces, supported by air components, hybrid forces, and local security stakeholders, launched aggressive operations across Marte, Bula Daburu, Alau Dam, Limankara, Bitta, Kawuri, and Monguno villages in Marte, Bama, Konduga, Kaga, Gwoza, and Guzamala LGAs of Borno State, as well as Mildo village in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. These efforts led to the elimination of scores of terrorists, arrest of eight suspects, and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.
Further operations on 26 and 27 July resulted in the arrest of two ISWAP terrorists around Gujba and Bama LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively. One of the suspects was believed to be a foreign national from Niger Republic who could not communicate in English, Hausa, or Kanuri. Additional missions were also executed in Ngala, Chibok, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Bama LGAs of Borno State and Gujba and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State, during which 11 suspected terrorist collaborators were apprehended. Some quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered, and several IEDs were safely retrieved and detonated. Troops also recovered a total sum of N134,420.00.
In the North West, between 23 and 29 July 2025, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops responded to intelligence on terrorist activities in Anka, Bakura, Maradun, and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State, as well as Sabuwa and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State. Operations were also conducted in Arewa LGA of Kebbi State. As a result, some terrorists were eliminated, nine arrested, and four kidnapped victims rescued. In separate operations in Sabon Birni and Argungu LGAs of Sokoto and Kebbi States respectively, troops neutralised four terrorists and rescued two kidnapped persons.
Troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN in the North Central zone, operating between 24 and 28 July 2025, conducted offensive actions and responded to distress calls in Wase, Riyom, Jos North, Bassa, Jos East, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. These encounters led to the killing of several extremists, arrest of three criminals, and rescue of seven kidnapped persons. Troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles.
Between 23 and 29 July 2025, troops of the same operation arrested a wanted extremist, Dayabu Idris, and four other suspected extremists in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Tafawa Balewa LGAs of Plateau and Bauchi States.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops recorded major successes across Akure, Ako Ivaan, Iorkyol, Ugbaba, Agber, Tse Ilim, and Gbesi in Guma and Katsina-Ala LGAs of Benue State. Operations were also conducted in Lokoja and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Kogi State, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT, and Suleja LGA of Niger State. Several terrorists were neutralised, 13 suspects arrested, and three kidnapped victims rescued. Arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered during the operations.
Between 22 and 26 July 2025, four criminals were also arrested in Jalingo and Nasarawa LGAs of Taraba and Nasarawa States respectively. Weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating items were recovered and are currently in military custody, with investigations ongoing.
In a second phase of Operation DELTA SAFE within the same month, troops recovered an additional 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 8,320 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 900 litres of AGO. They also discovered and destroyed 11 crude oil cooking ovens, seven dugout pits, four boats, seven storage tanks, 17 drums, and six illegal refining sites. Items recovered during these missions include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and three vehicles. A further 22 oil thieves and criminals were arrested, and additional arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered.
In other coordinated offensive operations in the South-South, troops arrested 18 suspects comprising oil thieves, IPOB/ESN members, criminals, cultists, and drug peddlers. These arrests were made in Oshimili North, Sapele, Ughelli South, Ndokwa East, and Uvwie LGAs of Delta State, and Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State.
In the South East theatre, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained their offensive posture during the week under review. Two suspected IPOB/ESN members were arrested in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. One of the suspects attempted to escape during arrest and was eliminated. Six other criminal suspects were arrested during encounters in Igbo Eze North LGA of Enugu State, as well as Ideato North, Okigwe, and Calabar South LGAs of Imo and Cross River States respectively. Weapons and other items recovered from the suspects are in custody, and interrogations are ongoing.
In his closing remarks, Major General Markus Kangye emphasized that every operation undertaken by the Armed Forces of Nigeria is guided by an unwavering commitment to national security, the safety of personnel, and the constitutional principles the military is sworn to uphold. He reiterated that the forces remain vigilant, ready, and resolute in confronting current and emerging threats, and thanked the Nigerian public for its continued support and understanding. He assured that the Defence Headquarters will continue to provide timely updates as appropriate, in the spirit of transparency and professionalism.
