The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant breakthroughs in counterterrorism and anti-crime operations across the country, neutralizing scores of terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and foiling oil theft worth millions of naira within the past week.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday while briefing journalists on operational activities between 14 and 23 September 2025. He said the coordinated operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies across all theatres of operation to dismantle terrorist networks, deny bandits and saboteurs freedom of action, and safeguard national security.
According to Kangye, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters, killing several insurgents, recovering weapons, and rescuing three kidnapped victims in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Twenty-six terrorist collaborators and informants were also arrested, alongside logistics suppliers and sympathizers.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged terrorists in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger States. Notorious terrorist kingpin Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu was captured in Niger State, while 14 kidnapped victims were freed. Several terrorists were killed, and four arrested during other encounters.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central zone neutralized terrorists in Plateau and Kaduna States, arrested 52 criminals, and rescued nine kidnap victims. They also dismantled a local weapon manufacturing factory in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, and arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Sanga, Kaduna State.
Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke troops in Benue, Kogi, Taraba, and the FCT eliminated armed criminals, arrested 14 suspects including a wanted kidnapper, and rescued seven kidnap victims. Arms, ammunition, and vehicles were recovered in the process.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe dealt a major blow to oil thieves, seizing stolen crude and petroleum products valued at over ₦19.7 million. Troops also destroyed 16 illegal refining sites, 14 cooking ovens, storage tanks, boats, and dugout pits used for illegal bunkering. A total of 19 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, with arms and ammunition recovered. Additionally, 21 other suspects were arrested in Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States.
Troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East also maintained an offensive posture, killing armed criminals, arresting six suspects, and rescuing three kidnapped victims in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Cross River States.
Overall, the AFN said its troops arrested 168 suspects, rescued dozens of kidnapped victims, and recovered large quantities of weapons, explosives, vehicles, and logistics supplies during the week.
Major General Kangye commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that the military remains committed to denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs freedom of action anywhere in the country.
LV