By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded major victories against insurgents, arms traffickers, and oil theft syndicates in a series of targeted operations across the country. This was announced by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Kangye highlighted the neutralization of key insurgent leaders and the capture of major criminal figures. “Our troops have made substantial progress in neutralizing key insurgent leaders and disrupting criminal networks,” he stated. One of the most notable arrests was that of Nkwachi Eze, also known as Onowu, a notorious insurgent figure. Kangye described the capture as “a major victory for our forces and a clear message to all criminal elements that we will not relent in our efforts to restore peace.”
In another major operation, troops apprehended Buhari Umar, an alleged gunrunner and leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, and Kaduna States. “Buhari Umar has been on our radar for a long time,” Kangye noted. “His arrest underscores our commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten the security of our citizens.”
Highlighting economic sabotage, Kangye disclosed that under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops intercepted approximately 1,009,733 litres of stolen crude oil and petroleum products, with a market value estimated at N1.93 billion. He added, “The operation also led to the destruction of 351 crude oil cooking ovens, 418 dugout pits, and 95 illegal refining sites.”
Troops also recovered a large cache of arms, operational vehicles, and other equipment used by the criminal syndicates.
Beyond arrests, the military achieved humanitarian and security gains: 173 kidnap victims were rescued, and 430 criminal elements were apprehended, while 204 terrorists and their families voluntarily surrendered. Kangye emphasized, “Our operations are not limited to arrests and recoveries. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens and stabilizing affected regions.”
In the North East, particularly Borno and Yobe States, Operation HADIN KAI disrupted insurgent logistics, arresting 29 suppliers accused of providing fuel and food to terrorists. Kangye remarked, “These arrests are significant as they cut off critical support to terrorist factions.”
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Taraba, Adamawa, Niger, and Kogi States, continued its offensive against violent extremists, resulting in the neutralization of armed threats and the rescue of kidnap victims in several engagements. “We will continue to intensify these operations until the regions are completely secure,” Kangye asserted.
In Plateau and Kaduna States, Operation SAFE HAVEN led to the arrest of collaborators aiding extremists and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and motorcycles used in attacks. In the South East, Operation UDO KA dismantled several insurgent camps across Imo, Anambra, and Enugu States, seizing various weapons and explosive materials.
“Our forces are operating under challenging conditions, but their commitment to the nation remains unwavering,” Kangye concluded. He appealed to the public for continued support: “We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.”
Finally, he reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will continue providing timely operational updates and will conduct all operations in line with human rights principles and global best practices.
