By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have continued to intensify nationwide operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal groups, recording significant successes across all theatres in the past week. In an official statement, Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that troops in conjunction with relevant security agencies conducted a series of coordinated operations designed to dismantle terrorists’ networks, deny bandits and other criminal gangs sanctuaries, and cut off oxygen channels to economic saboteurs in order to enhance national security, promote stability and safeguard national interests both at home and globally.
According to Kangye, the operations demonstrated the collective resolve of the Armed Forces and sister agencies to confront emerging threats in an ever-evolving global security landscape. He explained that the military remains focused on ensuring the safety of its personnel while maintaining its duty to inform the public about ongoing efforts and the principles guiding operations. “We understand the public interest in the ongoing military operations, and we are committed to providing timely and accurate information about our activities across all theatres. Our forces are currently engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to combat specific threats, secure our citizens and provide a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive,” he stated. He added that all operations are being carried out with utmost precision, with a clear focus on minimizing collateral damage and ensuring the safety of the civilian population in line with the Armed Forces’ code of conduct for internal security operations, the laws of armed conflict and the campaign plan.
Giving an appraisal of operational activities for the week under review, Kangye highlighted the sustained momentum of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), which continued to deny Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action. Ground forces working in close synergy with the Air Component, Hybrid Forces and local security groups carried out aggressive operations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. The operations led to the elimination of several terrorists and their logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons, dismantling of networks and support for the safe resettlement of displaced persons as well as unimpeded farming activities. Troops conducted kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, Marte, Bama, Ngazai, Chibok and Biu LGAs of Borno State as well as Bula, Nguru and Mubi North LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa States, during which scores of terrorists were killed and three kidnapped victims rescued. Similarly, operations between 15 and 22 September 2025 in Kaga, Kukawa, Monguno and Ngala LGAs of Borno State, as well as Mubi South, Mubi North and Nguru LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa States, resulted in the arrest of 26 terrorists’ collaborators, informants and sympathizers, with logistics items, large quantities of fabrics, vehicles, motorcycles and IED-making materials recovered. All recovered items are in troops’ custody and interrogations are ongoing.
In the North West theatre, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) sustained offensive momentum with significant results. Between 15 and 22 September, troops engaged terrorists in firefights across Kajuru, Giwa, Kagarko and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State, as well as Anka and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State. Operations also covered Kankara, Kurfi and Musawa LGAs of Katsina State, and Binji and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State. Several terrorists were neutralized, four arrested and kidnapped victims rescued. In a covert operation on 17 September, troops arrested a notorious terrorist, Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu, alongside two others in Paiko LGA of Niger State. On 21 September, four suspected terrorists were captured in Bagudu LGA of Kebbi State, while on 22 September, two kidnappers’ informants were arrested in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State. Across these operations, terrorists were eliminated, arms and ammunition recovered, and 14 kidnapped victims freed.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North Central zone responded to distress calls about terrorist activities across Plateau and Kaduna States, conducting offensive operations from 14 to 22 September. In encounters in Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bassa, Qua’an Pan, Riyom and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State, and Jama’a, Kaura, Zangon Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State, terrorists were killed, 52 criminals arrested and nine kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were also recovered. On 17 September, troops raided a local weapons manufacturing factory at Heipan District in Barkin Ladi, arresting one criminal and recovering arms. Similarly, on 23 September, a suspected kidnap kingpin was arrested at Miyar village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
Operation WHIRL STROKE also recorded notable successes across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa States and the FCT. Troops neutralized criminals, rescued seven kidnapped victims and arrested several others between 14 and 22 September. A high-profile kidnapper, Saawuan Wuaiyolna, a member of a notorious syndicate under the leadership of Akiki Utivi also known as “Full Fire,” was arrested on 17 September in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Between 17 and 22 September, 11 criminals were arrested in Karim Lamido and Ardo Kola LGAs of Taraba State, while other suspects were apprehended in Lokoja and Nasarawa LGAs. On 18 September, three kidnappers were arrested and a victim rescued at Kuduru high ground in AMAC of the FCT. Weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operations, with all items in troops’ custody and interrogations ongoing.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over N19.75 million during the week. Troops seized 14,760 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,720 litres of DPK and 625 litres of PMS. They also discovered and destroyed 14 crude oil cooking ovens, seven dugout pits, 11 boats, eight storage tanks and 16 illegal refining sites. Nineteen oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, with assorted arms and ammunition recovered. Between 13 and 21 September, troops eliminated criminals in action, arrested 16 suspects and rescued five kidnapped victims in Ika North, Sapele and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State, as well as Obubra and Mbo LGAs of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. In a related operation between 17 and 21 September, four suspected criminals were arrested in Warri South and Ethiope LGAs of Delta State as well as Yenagoa and Onna LGAs of Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained an offensive posture from 17 to 23 September, conducting operations in Njaba and Mbaitoli LGAs of Imo State, Bakassi and Obubra LGAs of Cross River State, and further into Ezeagu and Orumba North LGAs of Enugu and Anambra States. Several criminals were neutralized, six arrested and three kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles and improvised explosive devices were also recovered.
Concluding, Major General Kangye affirmed that the Armed Forces remain committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action across the country. He stressed that the successes recorded are a testament to the determination and resilience of Nigerian troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure the nation. He commended the bravery and professionalism of personnel involved in the operations and assured Nigerians of the Defence Headquarters’ continued efforts to ensure safety and security. He appealed to the media to disseminate the information to the general public.
