…as troops record major gains against terrorists, bandits and criminal networks nationwide
By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Armed Forces have reported significant successes in ongoing counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and other security operations across all theatres, with troops demonstrating sustained courage, resilience, and determination to dismantle terrorist networks and defeat criminality. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, while briefing journalists in Abuja disclosed that troops executed multiple offensive operations, including raids, ambushes, fighting patrols, and covert missions, alongside extensive air support, reconnaissance, and interdiction by the Air Component. These joint operations, he said, led to the elimination of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists, the destruction of their camps, and the disruption of their logistics networks.
In the North-East, under Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), troops working with the Air Component, Hybrid Forces, and local security stakeholders maintained pressure on insurgent groups between 29 July and 4 August 2025. Operations were conducted in Ajiri, Sabsawa, Kamura-Buratai, Barno Yasu, Borgozo, and Bitta villages, as well as Bulabulin Forest in Megumari, Mafa, Dikwa, Bama, Biu, Magumeri, Ngala, Kaga, and Gwoza Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, and Gamji village in Damaturu LGA of Yobe State. The missions resulted in the elimination of scores of terrorists, the arrest of five others, and the rescue of two kidnapped victims. Additional operations between 1 and 4 August in Kaga, Ngala, and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, and Damaturu LGA of Yobe State, led to the arrest of seven suspected terrorist collaborators, the recovery of logistics items, vehicles, and motorcycles, and the safe detonation of improvised explosive devices.
In the North-West theatre, under Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN Yamma, troops intensified offensive actions in Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States. Between 29 July and 3 August, they engaged terrorists in Funtua, Kankara, Kurfi, Chiranchi, Matazu, and Malumfashi LGAs of Katsina State, as well as Bakura and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara, and Arewa Dandi LGA of Kebbi State. Several terrorists were killed, two were arrested, and two kidnapped victims were rescued, with another wounded victim evacuated for treatment. Similar operations in Anka, Maru, and Bukkuyum LGAs of Zamfara, and Shanga, Birnin Kebbi, and Yauri LGAs of Kebbi, also saw terrorists eliminated, two suspects arrested, and two victims freed. In Wurno LGA of Sokoto State, three kidnapped victims were rescued during separate engagements.
Troops of Joint Task Force North Central Operation Safe Haven responded to multiple distress calls between 31 July and 3 August in Mangu, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State, making contact with extremists during firefights that led to the killing of several terrorists, the arrest of one criminal, and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered. Between 30 July and 2 August, five suspected extremists were also arrested in Mangu, Jos North, and Bassa LGAs.
In the Joint Task Force North Central Operation Whirl Stroke theatre, operations in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa States, and the FCT yielded significant results. Troops struck in Mararaba Gbagir, Gindin Mangoro, Agam, Ndor, Chinkai-Kente, and Yaku areas of Ukum, Guma, and Wukari LGAs, as well as Lokoja and Yagba West LGAs of Kogi, Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State, and Gwagwalada and AMAC in the FCT. Terrorists were killed, two were arrested, and 12 kidnapped victims were rescued, with arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles recovered. Between 30 July and 3 August, troops also arrested a suspected gunrunner in Wukari LGA of Taraba and 15 other criminals in Agatu, Katsina-Ala, and Jalingo LGAs. Weapons, large quantities of ammunition, and ₦842,100 were recovered, and suspects remain in custody for investigation.
In the South-South, under Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, troops foiled oil theft worth over ₦73,289,510. This included 63,824 litres of stolen crude oil and 11,190 litres of illegally refined DPK. Eight crude oil cooking ovens, 14 dugout pits, six boats, two storage tanks, 12 drums, and four illegal refining sites were destroyed. Other recovered items included pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and five vehicles. Nine oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, with assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives recovered. Offensive operations in Warri North, Ughelli South, Ndokwa West, and Oshimili North LGAs of Delta State, and Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, led to the arrest of nine suspects, the killing of a kidnapper during a gun battle, and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and ₦3.6 million.
In the South-East, under Joint Task Force Operation Udo Ka, troops sustained their offensive posture, arresting four suspected IPOB/ESN members and a kidnapper in Enugu South and Igbo-Eze North LGAs of Enugu State, and Umuahia South and Ihiala LGAs of Abia and Anambra States. Weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle were recovered, and suspects are in custody for interrogation.
Major General Kangye concluded that troops, working in conjunction with other security agencies and Hybrid Forces, remain committed to restoring peace and security in all troubled parts of the country. He also noted that farmers across operational areas have been able to continue their farming activities without hindrance due to the sustained presence and vigilance of security forces, an effort that will continue throughout the farming season.
