…rescues victims, and foils oil theft worth over ₦533 million
By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has continued to sustain joint offensive operations across all theatres of operation in the country as part of its constitutional mandate to combat terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities threatening national security.
In a comprehensive update covering operations conducted between 15 and 22 May 2025, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, through an official signed statement, affirmed the military’s unwavering resolve to restore peace to all troubled regions across Nigeria. He emphasized that the AFN, alongside hybrid forces and other security agencies, remains fully committed and undeterred in its mission, with significant attention being given to the welfare of troops deployed across the country.
According to General Kangye, several key operations were launched during the period under review, leading to the destruction of terrorists’ camps, rescue of kidnapped victims, and rehabilitation of civilians affected by ongoing conflicts. He commended the professionalism, dedication, and bravery demonstrated by Nigerian troops, noting that their efforts continue to yield significant results in the nation’s quest for peace and stability.
Highlighting operational achievements, the AFN reported that troops neutralized scores of terrorists across different theatres and continued to operate within the ambit of the law, ensuring full adherence to human rights and global best practices. In the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft operations estimated at over Five Hundred and Thirty-Three Million Five Hundred and Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty Naira (₦533,509,520.00). The breakdown of recoveries included 550,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,710 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 350 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Troops also destroyed 45 illegal crude oil cooking ovens, 30 dugout pits, 16 boats, 37 storage tanks, 11 drums, and 18 illegal refining sites. Other recovered items included pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and four vehicles. A total of 51 oil thieves and other criminal elements were arrested, with assorted arms and ammunition also seized.
In the North East theatre, under Operation HADIN KAI, troops recorded the surrender of numerous ISWAP and JAS terrorists, including men, women, and children, following intensified operations between 15 and 21 May 2025. Joint offensive operations, including patrols, raids, and clearance missions, were conducted in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Kukawa, Abadam, and Damboa LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali and Gujba LGAs in Adamawa and Yobe States respectively. These operations led to the neutralization of terrorists, rescue of 14 kidnapped victims, and recovery of weapons, mortar bombs, locally-made IEDs, and other materials.
In a further crackdown, troops arrested 13 terrorist logistics suppliers in Monguno, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, and Damaturu LGAs between 15 and 19 May 2025. Items recovered included IED-making materials, cylinders filled with nitrogen, motorcycle spares, and a total of ₦106,000.
In the North West, under Operation FASAN YAMMA, troops conducted aggressive operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna States from 15 to 19 May 2025, resulting in the neutralization of terrorists and the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims. A notorious terrorist kingpin’s camp, identified as Sule Jedi camp, located in Marhaba Forest of Matazu LGA in Katsina State, was destroyed. Operations in other areas such as Malumfashi, Sabuwa, Maru, Bungudu, Rabah, and Arewa LGAs further led to the neutralization of terrorists and the rescue of over 14 kidnapped individuals.
In a separate operation, troops arrested four terrorist collaborators and neutralized another while attempting to disarm military personnel in Kebbi and Jigawa States. Recovered from them were motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash totalling ₦2,557,300.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in the North Central region maintained operational pressure in Plateau and Kaduna States. Between 15 and 18 May 2025, offensive operations in Wase, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi LGAs led to the neutralization of extremists, the arrest of three suspects, and the rescue of four kidnapped victims. In a further effort, 15 suspected kidnappers and criminals were arrested across Bokkos, Jos North, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State, and Jema’a and Zangon Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State. Among the apprehended were three foreign Fulani migrants and two Chadian nationals claiming to work with an international firm in Jos North.
Anti-kidnapping operations conducted from 15 to 18 May in Plateau and Kaduna States led to the rescue of two victims and the recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and livestock from neutralized extremists.
In Operation WHIRL STROKE, operating across Benue, Kogi, and Niger States, troops engaged violent extremists between 15 and 19 May 2025, neutralizing several, arresting two, and rescuing two kidnapped victims while recovering arms and ammunition. Additionally, anti-criminality missions between 8 and 13 May in Kwande, Otukpo, and Buruku LGAs of Benue State, and Suleja LGA of Niger State, resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of weapons. One armed robbery suspect was also arrested on 15 May in Keana LGA of Nasarawa State, in possession of a locally made pistol and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Back in the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued their crackdown on crude oil theft and other criminal enterprises. In addition to earlier reports, offensive operations led to the arrest of seven suspected drug peddlers in Warri LGA of Delta State on 15 May. Between 16 and 18 May, another eight suspected vandals and criminals were arrested across Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. These suspects were handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution. Furthermore, operations between 16 and 17 May in Ahoada and Mbo LGAs resulted in the neutralization of criminals and recovery of weapons.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted operations in Mbano and Awgu LGAs of Imo and Enugu States respectively between 16 and 19 May 2025, arresting three suspects and recovering ammunition, a laptop, and mobile phones. Additionally, a kidnapped victim was rescued in Aguata LGA of Anambra State on 15 May.
Concluding the operational update, Major General Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering determination to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal threats facing Nigeria. He called on law-abiding citizens to go about their daily lives without fear, assuring them of the military’s continued commitment to national safety. He also encouraged the public to share credible intelligence with security forces to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
