…as troops expands joint operations nationwide, eliminates insurgents, foils crimes, and secures hostages
By Nkechi Eze
In its continued demonstration of resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, restore peace, and protect the lives and property of citizens, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has intensified joint operations across all regions of the country, recording significant operational successes during the month under review.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, while briefing journalists in Abuja, disclosed that troops in collaboration with other security agencies sustained aggressive operations against terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal elements. He stressed that transparency, accountability, and public engagement remain central to military operations, assuring Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ commitment to neutralizing threats to national security.
According to him, the operations spanned all theatres, ranging from counter-insurgency in the North East, anti-banditry in the North West, anti-oil theft and maritime patrols in the South-South, as well as internal security support roles in collaboration with sister agencies nationwide. “Our troops have intensified joint operations aimed at neutralizing threats to national security, restoring stability, and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens,” he said.
During the period under review, several key terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers were eliminated in firefights and air bombardments. Among those arrested were notorious criminals such as Adamu Buba, also known as Mai-Pankshin, who had been terrorizing communities in Riyom, and Abdullahi Abubakar, responsible for violent attacks in Rafiki village, Bassa LGA of Plateau State. In a separate operation, two suspected gunrunners were intercepted along the Kwoi-Keffi road in Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State, while two kidnappers, identified as Mohammed Sanusi and Usman Alhaji Bala, were arrested in Obajana, Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
On maritime security, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over ₦545,872,819.00, recovering 619,236 litres of stolen crude oil, 106,147 litres of illegally refined AGO, 5,785 litres of DPK, and 2,650 litres of PMS. They also destroyed 97 illegal refining sites and over 488 equipment used for illicit bunkering. In separate raids, troops uncovered additional oil theft valued at over ₦28,800,720.00, arresting 17 suspects, recovering arms and explosives, and dismantling illegal facilities across Rivers and Delta States.
The Defence spokesman further revealed that troops in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive clearance operations between August 29 and September 2, 2025. Their efforts denied Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action, dismantled their networks, eliminated scores of fighters, and rescued eight kidnapped victims. In addition, 13 terrorist collaborators, informants, and a drug peddler were arrested, while arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics supplies were seized.
In the North West theatre, Operation FANSAN YAMMA forces conducted raids across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, killing several terrorists, arresting 23, and rescuing 24 kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered, while an additional suspect was intercepted in Niger State with weapons, a motorcycle, and the sum of ₦321,000.00.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North Central responded to distress calls across Plateau and Kaduna States, neutralizing terrorists, arresting six criminals, and rescuing two victims. In a dramatic incident on August 30, 2025, a kidnapper was apprehended in Bassa LGA while withdrawing ₦3,000,000.00 ransom from a POS vendor.
In Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and parts of the FCT, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded major breakthroughs, eliminating extremists, arresting nine criminals, rescuing 13 kidnapped hostages, and seizing vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East maintained an offensive posture, storming hideouts in Anambra, Imo, and Abia States. They destroyed illegal camps where banners inscribed with “National Research and Production, Biafra Province Government, Bende Division and Biafra Military Depot” were discovered. Arms, ammunition, IEDs, motorcycles, and military boots were recovered in the raids.
On Other Developments, General Kangye addressed incessant protests by some discharged soldiers at the Federal Ministry of Finance over the computation of gratuity and Security Debarment Allowance (SDA). He clarified that gratuity and SDA are calculated based on the salary chart effective on the date of retirement. While a new minimum wage chart came into effect on July 29, 2024, soldiers who retired before that date fell under the pre-minimum wage chart. He explained that those who retired between January 1 and July 28, 2024, could not have their benefits calculated on the basis of the new chart.
Adding to this, Air Vice Marshal Alim Adebowale also disclosed that extensive dialogues had been held with the protesters. He noted that the veterans had been shown documentary evidence explaining why their demands could not be met, but said they still felt they could pressure the system into making retroactive adjustments.
Further more, he noted that despite repeated clarifications, the affected veterans continue to protest and block the Ministry of Finance. “The Defence Headquarters acknowledges freedom of legitimate protest, but the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises in order to pave way for normal government functions,” while reassuring the public that engagements would continue in a bid to peacefully resolve the matter.
Concluding the briefing, Major General Kangye commended the gallantry and sacrifice of troops across all theatres. He urged Nigerians and the media to rely on verified information from official sources and to avoid circulating unverified content that could endanger troops and civilians or compromise ongoing operations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional mandate of defending our territorial integrity, supporting civil authorities in maintaining internal security, and ensuring peace and stability across all regions. We remain resolute in sustaining the momentum,” he declared.
