…asTroops Neutralize Terrorists, Arrest Criminals, Rescue Kidnap Victims, Recover Cache of Arms and Stolen Crude
By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to consolidate their dominance across the country’s security landscape, recording remarkable successes in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and anti-criminality operations within the past week. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this in the weekly operational briefing, commended the gallantry, discipline, and unrelenting courage of troops operating on land, at sea, and in the air. He said the feats recorded reflect the efficiency of Nigeria’s strategic defence planning and the resilience of its security architecture.
According to him, the Armed Forces sustained the momentum of nationwide operations that led to the neutralization of scores of terrorists, arrest of key logistics suppliers, informants, and other criminal elements, as well as the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and contraband items. Among the items recovered were automatic rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, locally fabricated firearms, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, and thousands of rounds of live ammunition.
In the North-East, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI maintained unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Between October 8 and 16, 2025, troops conducted coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Uba, Gwoza, Monguno, Kukawa, and Mafa areas of Borno State, as well as in Mubi South, Adamawa, and parts of Yobe State. During the encounters, several terrorists were neutralized while 10 of their collaborators and informants were apprehended. Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and recovered assorted weapons, petroleum products, and a cash sum of ₦5,140,000 believed to be proceeds from terrorist logistics operations. General Kangye noted that the sustained offensives have further stabilized liberated communities, enabling the safe return of displaced persons and allowing farmers to resume unhindered agricultural activities across the region.
In the North-West, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI intensified ground and air offensives across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. Between October 8 and 15, troops engaged terrorists in fierce firefights in Tangaza, Isa, Goronyo, Anka, Gusau, and Shinkafi Local Government Areas, leading to the elimination of several bandits and the rescue of kidnapped victims. Fourteen suspected terrorists were arrested, while six abducted persons regained freedom. In a related operation, troops intercepted a notorious gunrunner and two members of a drug cartel in Ilorin and Shinkafi axes. Items recovered included 1,307 rounds of live ammunition, several mobile phones, vehicles, motorcycles, and ₦227,000 in cash.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operations WHIRL STROKE and SAFE HAVEN responded to multiple distress calls and executed targeted offensives against armed militias and kidnappers across Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi States, and the Federal Capital Territory. Between October 8 and 14, 2025, troops conducted operations in Riyom, Mangu, Jos East, and Bassa areas of Plateau, as well as Awe, Keana, and Doma in Nasarawa State. A total of 23 criminals were arrested and 17 kidnapped victims rescued, with several weapons, vehicles, and livestock recovered. In addition, four suspects charged with conspiracy and theft were arraigned before a competent court, where they pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to one year imprisonment, reflecting ongoing collaboration between the military and civil justice institutions in maintaining law and order.
In the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained their onslaught against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities. Within the week, troops uncovered and destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, seven dugout pits, 14 storage tanks, nine boats, and other equipment used for illicit oil operations. They also recovered 92,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,505 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), collectively valued at approximately ₦98,705,495. Thirteen suspects were arrested, while weapons and logistics materials were seized during the operations.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified their offensive against members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Between October 8 and 13, troops apprehended a notorious ESN commander known as “Gentleman” alongside eight accomplices in coordinated raids across Umunneochi, Ihiala, and Nnewi South areas. A female logistics supplier linked to a wanted ESN leader, identified as Malcolm Chi Uwampu (alias Emergence), was also arrested. During the operation, troops rescued three abducted children found in her custody, exposing the group’s connection to a wider human trafficking network.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain resolute in their constitutional duty to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect law-abiding citizens, and restore lasting peace across all regions. He lauded the courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops, noting that their sacrifices continue to yield tangible results in the nation’s security trajectory. “The Nigerian Armed Forces will sustain the tempo of operations and ensure that every criminal element threatening the peace and unity of our country is brought to justice,” he assured.
