By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced another major wave of operational successes across all theatres of operation in Nigeria, as troops of the Armed Forces, working with other security agencies, sustained their offensive momentum against terrorists, bandits, oil thieves, and other criminal elements between 16 and 23 October 2025.
In an official statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the DHQ disclosed that troops recorded remarkable achievements through coordinated land, air, and maritime operations, leading to the elimination of numerous terrorists, the arrest of several others, and the rescue of kidnapped victims in different parts of the country. He noted that the week’s operations underscore the military’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and creating a secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
According to him, troops recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, and other combat equipment. He emphasized that these operations have significantly degraded the operational capacity of criminal groups and disrupted their supply chains, logistics networks, and sanctuaries.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained steady pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists, eliminating several of their fighters and arresting key collaborators, informants, and spies. Operations carried out in Gwoza, Konduga, Monguno, Damboa, Kukawa, Biu, Gubio, Abadam, and Ngala in Borno, as well as parts of Adamawa and Yobe States, resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects and the rescue of three kidnapped victims, with recovered weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles now in custody. The military’s efforts, according to DHQ, also facilitated the safe resettlement of displaced persons and ensured unimpeded farming activities across affected communities.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained aggressive offensives against bandit enclaves in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, killing several terrorists in action, arresting 11, and rescuing 14 kidnapped victims. Recovered items included weapons, vehicles, livestock, and other materials used by the criminals.
Similarly, in the North Central region, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE maintained vigilance across Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi States, where they engaged extremist groups in coordinated operations. Several terrorists were neutralized, 24 arrested, and three hostages rescued. During a raid on 19 October 2025, troops stormed the residence of a notorious extremist leader, Alhaji Muhammed Sule (aka MP), in Rawaya village, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Although the suspect evaded capture, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a revolver pistol, six magazines, and 1,202 rounds of live ammunition. The DHQ confirmed that a manhunt for the fugitive is ongoing.
In another series of coordinated strikes, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded substantial gains across Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi States, and the FCT, neutralizing several criminal elements, arresting 16 suspects, and rescuing three kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition, vehicles, and livestock were also recovered from the suspects.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified their clampdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining, thwarting attempts to steal petroleum products worth over ₦13.4 million. Troops discovered and destroyed 12,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 840 litres of AGO, 1,350 litres of DPK, along with six crude oil cooking ovens, four dugout pits, twelve boats, five storage tanks, and two illegal refining sites. At least three suspects were arrested, while additional operations conducted in Uvwie, Burutu, Warri South, and Ethiope East LGAs of Delta State led to the arrest of seven more criminals.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained their offensive posture against IPOB/ESN elements across Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States, conducting raids in Ngor Okpala, Ohaji/Egbema, Mbano, Umunneochi, Orumba North, Udenu, and Afikpo LGAs. The operations led to the arrest of 12 terrorists, the rescue of three kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and vehicles.
Major General Kangye affirmed that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to sustaining momentum across all theatres, denying terrorists and other criminal networks any freedom of action. He commended the gallantry, resilience, and professionalism of Nigerian troops who continue to make immense sacrifices for national security and unity.
“The success of these ongoing operations is a clear reflection of the dedication and courage of our troops,” he said. “The Defence Headquarters assures Nigerians that we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure their safety and the stability of our nation.”
He further called on citizens to continue providing credible information that would aid military operations, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility between the Armed Forces and the public.
