By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Armed Forces have announced significant operational successes across the country during the month of September, with troops operating under various Joint Task Forces recording sweeping gains against terrorists, bandits, extremists, oil thieves and other criminal elements. The coordinated operations, spanning the North East, North West, North Central, South-South and South East regions, were carried out with precision, determination and a commitment to safeguarding civilian lives, according to an official statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye.
Giving a strategic update on the nationwide security operations, Major General Kangye explained that the missions were executed under the mandate of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force North Central Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Joint Task Force North Central Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), and Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA (OPUK). He said the operations were initiated in direct response to escalating threats and hostile actions, while also supporting humanitarian activities in affected communities.
“Our primary objectives were to disrupt enemy capabilities, secure key terrain, and support humanitarian efforts. Significant progress has been made, and our commanders on the ground continue to assess the situation to ensure stability and prevent further escalation. We remain fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the lawful execution of all missions in accordance with international and domestic rules of engagement. The safety of our personnel and the protection of innocent lives remain top priorities,” Kangye declared.
According to the Defence Media Operations, for the month of September alone, about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals were arrested, while 39 terrorists surrendered and 180 civilians were rescued. Troops recovered 63 arms, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 operational items, including grenades, improvised explosive device (IED) marking materials, handheld radios, motorcycles and vehicles. Operation DELTA SAFE alone foiled oil theft worth N112,175,220, representing 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Troops also destroyed 41 illegal refining sites. A large cache of assorted weapons such as automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated arms and IED components were also seized.
In the North East theatre, the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained relentless pressure against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists between September 23 and 30. Ground forces, working alongside the Air Component, Hybrid forces and local security outfits, conducted aggressive operations in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Gukba, Monguno, Damboa, Biu and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State, as well as Madagali, Hong and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa State and Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Several terrorists were eliminated, their supply chains dismantled and weapons recovered. The operations also supported safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities in liberated areas. In follow-up missions, troops stormed terrorist hideouts in Mafa, Magumeri, Konduga, Damboa, Chibok, Kaga, Abadam and Kukawa LGAs of Borno, Mubi North and Hong LGAs of Adamawa, as well as Geidam and Nguru LGAs of Yobe. During these encounters, 21 terrorist collaborators, informants and sympathisers were arrested, and caches of arms, vehicles, motorcycles and IED-making materials were seized.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained momentum with decisive offensive operations across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna and Katsina States. Between September 23 and 30, firefights with terrorists in Anka, Bakura, Tsafe, Maradun, Shinkafi and Maru LGAs of Zamfara led to the neutralisation of several insurgents and the rescue of kidnapped victims. Similar operations in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goroyo and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto, as well as Shanono, Gwarzo and Tudun Wada LGAs of Kano, were equally successful. In Kebbi State, Arewa, Mariga and Kontagora LGAs were swept, while troops also maintained a heavy presence in Kaduna metropolis. In Katsina, coordinated strikes covered Kankara, Faskari, Safana and Malumfashi LGAs, where a wanted terrorist identified as Ali Saidu was arrested. In all, 46 terrorists were arrested and 13 kidnapped victims rescued, with the suspects currently under interrogation.
In the North Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to multiple distress calls and neutralised extremist threats across Plateau and Kaduna States. From September 23 to 30, troops launched decisive responses in Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa and Jos East LGAs of Plateau, as well as Sanga and Jama’a LGAs of Kaduna State. During the engagements, some extremists were killed, 12 were arrested and four kidnapped victims were rescued. Recovered items included weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles.
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering parts of Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and the FCT, also recorded notable successes within the same week. Troops conducted raids in Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Gwer West LGAs of Benue, Takum in Taraba, Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State, Kabba Bunu and Omala LGAs of Kogi, and Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the FCT. Several criminals were killed, six suspects arrested and two kidnapped victims rescued.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops foiled large-scale oil theft worth over N20,855,660, recovering 13,175 litres of stolen crude oil and 7,230 litres of AGO. Troops discovered and destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, nine dugout pits, seven boats, 11 storage tanks and six illegal refining sites. Eight oil thieves were arrested, while weapons and ammunition were recovered. In further operations across Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States, troops arrested 36 suspected criminals and rescued two kidnapped victims in Bomadi, Ethiope West, Warri South, Yenagoa and Port Harcourt LGAs.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained an offensive posture between September 25 and 30, conducting raids in Ihiala and Orumba South LGAs of Anambra State, as well as Okigwe LGA of Imo State. One terrorist was killed, four others were arrested, and troops recovered weapons, ammunition, vehicles and improvised explosive devices.
Overall, the Nigerian military’s September operations reflect a broad-based strategy combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures to dismantle terrorist networks, rescue civilians, protect national resources and sustain regional stability. Major General Markus Kangye reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will maintain operational pressure and adapt strategies to meet evolving security challenges while remaining firmly committed to lawful engagement and the protection of innocent lives.
