By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained an aggressive nationwide campaign against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups, recording major operational successes across all theatres within the week ending October 16, 2025.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this during the weekly press briefing in Abuja, said the operations reflected the continued dedication, professionalism, and discipline of Nigerian troops on land, in the air, and at sea.

According to him, coordinated operations under various Joint Task Forces—Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North Central, Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South, and Operation UDO KA in the South-East—resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of criminal elements, and rescue of kidnapped victims.

In the North East, troops denied Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters freedom of movement through aggressive ground and air operations in parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Scores of terrorists were eliminated, 16 collaborators arrested, and seven hostages rescued. Troops also recovered assorted weapons, vehicles, and ₦5.14 million in cash.

Similarly, in the North West, troops sustained their offensive against bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States. Several terrorists were killed, 14 arrested, and six kidnapped victims rescued. A gunrunner and two drug cartel members were also apprehended with 1,307 live ammunition, motorcycles, narcotics, and ₦227,000.

In the North Central region, under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE, troops carried out raids and responded to distress calls in Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi States, neutralising criminals and rescuing 17 kidnap victims. Four suspects were also convicted and sentenced by a magistrate court in Plateau State.

In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦98.7 million, destroying 11 illegal refining sites and arresting 13 suspects. The troops also seized large volumes of stolen petroleum products and dismantled multiple illegal refining facilities across Delta and Rivers States.

Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Gentle alongside eight accomplices in Imo and Ebonyi States. A female logistics supplier linked to the group was also apprehended in Abia State, where three children of a wanted terrorist leader were found in her custody.

Major General Kangye commended the gallant troops for their bravery and sacrifices, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain steadfast and resolute in securing the nation.

“Our recent operational successes—whether in counterterrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or internal operations—are not just battlefield victories but clear demonstrations of our resolve to secure every inch of Nigeria,” he stated.

He urged citizens to continue supporting the military through credible intelligence sharing, noting that collective cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters has announced major breakthroughs in ongoing military operations across the country for August 2025, reporting the elimination of several notorious terrorist commanders, rescue of kidnapped victims, and disruption of criminal networks.

At the monthly media briefing in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that troops recorded significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and oil thieves in different theatres of operation.

According to him, joint operations in the North East neutralized several Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, arrested informants and gunrunners, recovered arms and ammunition, and rescued abducted civilians in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.

Similarly, in the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA killed terrorists, arrested 23 suspects, and freed more than 20 kidnap victims in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna States. In the North Central region, troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE dismantled terror cells in Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Taraba, rescuing hostages and seizing weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, and illicit cash.

In the oil-rich Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled crude oil theft valued at over N574 million, destroying 97 illegal refining sites and 488 refining equipment. Troops also arrested 17 oil thieves and recovered arms, explosives, and stolen petroleum products.

General Kangye further revealed that troops in the South East destroyed separatist camps in Anambra, Imo, and Abia States, recovering arms, IEDs, and propaganda materials linked to outlawed groups.

On the protests by some discharged soldiers at the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Defence Headquarters clarified that gratuity and Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) are calculated based on the salary structure effective at the time of retirement. He stressed that those who retired before the new minimum wage took effect in July 2024 cannot demand payments based on the updated chart, warning the aggrieved veterans to vacate the premises and allow normal government activities to continue.

Kangye reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting internal security, and ensuring citizens can safely return to farming and other socio-economic activities.

“We commend our gallant troops for their courage and sacrifices. Their efforts are yielding results, and we will sustain the momentum,” he said.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in the state, with the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and recovery of N5 million ransom from the criminal gang.

In a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, stated that the arrests were made during a series of coordinated operations carried out by the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad and the CP’s Special Assignment Team.

According to the statement, on July 12, 2025, at about 6:30 am, operatives led by Godwin Osadolor tracked and apprehended one Sanusi Abdulahi at a hideout in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations linked the gang to multiple kidnapping incidents in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Obulu-Okiti, Isele-Uku, and Isele-Asagba. The gang was also fingered in the abduction of a young woman in Ogwashi-Ukwu on July 9, 2025. Based on intelligence provided by Abdulahi, police raided hideouts in Second Deputy and Oko, both in Asaba, leading to the arrest of four other members of the gang.

Meanwhile, in a separate sting operation on July 9, 2025, along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway near the Unenurhie axis, operatives of the CP’s Special Assignment Team stormed the hideout of a notorious gang led by one Solomon Danisco, alias “Picolo.”

Other gang members include Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin, and Whisky Rufus, also known as “Asawana,” a native of Ewu community.

The suspects reportedly engaged the police in a fierce gun duel. Six of them sustained severe gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are receiving treatment under police custody.

Items recovered from the scene include four locally-made guns and 19 rounds of live cartridges.

Edafe reaffirmed the Command’s commitment under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda to rid Delta State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.

He also called on the public to continue supporting the police by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.

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