By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have announced significant operational gains across multiple theatres of operation in the past week, as troops intensified efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure enduring peace and security. The Defence Headquarters, in its weekly press briefing for the period ending 29 August 2025, disclosed that the Nigerian military, working closely with other security stakeholders, has executed a series of decisive operations that neutralized terrorists, disrupted criminal networks, rescued kidnapped victims, and foiled massive oil theft worth hundreds of millions of naira.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in an official statement, reaffirmed that the renewed operational strategy of the Armed Forces has created the much-needed safe environment for farming and other socio-economic activities, a development that has brought relief to communities long threatened by insecurity. He emphasized that this effort will be sustained throughout the farming season and beyond to consolidate peace and stability in affected regions.
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai sustained momentum against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists, conducting aggressive ground and air operations in Borno and Yobe States. The operations in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar, Chibok, Monguno and Konduga, as well as Gujba and Damaturu, resulted in the elimination of scores of terrorists, the arrest of collaborators and informants, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, logistics items, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and over N70,000 cash. Five kidnapped victims were freed, while several improvised explosive devices were safely detonated in Abadam, Gwoza and Mobbar. In a major development, a terrorist fighter belonging to the notorious Abu Ayuba syndicate surrendered in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, handing over his weapon and expressing willingness to cooperate in facilitating the surrender of other members.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded notable successes as troops intensified offensive operations in Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara States. Within the week, terrorists were neutralized, 28 others arrested, and a total of 76 kidnapped victims rescued, including during an aircraft bombardment of terrorist hideouts at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government of Katsina State. Additional operations in Malumfashi, Tsafe, Anka and Sabon Birni led to further terrorist eliminations and the rescue of more captives. Four suspected terrorists were also arrested in Niger and Katsina States with arms, ammunition, a motorcycle and over N321,000 cash recovered.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation Safe Haven sustained pressure on criminal elements, responding to distress calls and conducting clearance operations across Plateau and Kaduna States. The engagements led to the neutralization of terrorists, the arrest of 19 criminals, and the rescue of seven kidnapped victims. Among those arrested was a notorious armed robber identified as Abdullahi Abubakar alongside nine others. In a separate breakthrough, five gunrunners and two wanted criminals, Abu Habu and Suleiman Haruna were arrested in Bassa and Bokkos, Plateau State, with weapons, ammunition, vehicles, communication gadgets and over N89,000 recovered.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also struck heavily in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and parts of the FCT, eliminating extremists and kidnappers while arresting 13 criminals. Twenty-nine kidnapped victims were rescued, while arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and mobile phones were recovered in large quantities.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe dealt crippling blows to oil thieves, dismantling an illegal oil network worth over N443 million. The troops discovered and destroyed 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 188,450 litres of illegally refined AGO, 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 12 illegal refining sites, 16 storage tanks, eight boats and other equipment used by vandals. Thirty-three suspects were arrested, while arms, explosives, tricycles and vehicles were seized. In addition, offensive operations across Delta and Rivers States led to the arrest of 13 criminals and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA sustained an offensive posture against IPOB/ESN militants. Troops engaged and killed several terrorists, while nine suspects were arrested in Imo, Enugu, Abia and Anambra States, thereby disrupting separatist activities and restoring calm in communities.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that these widespread successes underscore the Armed Forces’ unwavering dedication to securing the nation and restoring normalcy in troubled areas. Major General Kangye reaffirmed that while the military remains resolute and adaptive in its strategies, enduring peace also requires the cooperation of citizens, communities and leaders in rejecting violence and supporting reconciliation efforts.
