The Defence Headquarters on Friday said, troops across the theatres of operations conducted offensive operations such as raids, ambushes and fighting patrols between 30 January – 7 February 2025, and 27 terrorists were neutralized while 62 suspected others were arrested. Troops also apprehended 23 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 44 kidnapped hostages.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this in a press statement made available to SpyeTV News in Abuja.
Major General Kangye noted that troops neutralized several terrorists, apprehended their collaborators, rescued kidnapped victims and received surrendered terrorists. Gunrunners, oil theft collaborators and other violent extremists were also apprehended during the week under review.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 11 and rescued 31 kidnapped hostages. Troops also, recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 8 Dane Guns, one metal prototype pistol, one RPG propeller 4 wooden miniature guns, 2 prototype guns for training children, 4 RPG bombs one x 60 more or tube, 920 rounds of 12.7x108mm ammo belted ammo, 109 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one empty case of 7.62 x 54 mm 5 magazines. Troops further recovered 4 motorcycles 6 terrorists flags, one baofeng HH radio, 3 mobile phones, 9 bicycles and 3 IED/IEDs making materials as well as the sum of N49,600.00 only amongst others.
He said between 30 January – and 4 February 2025, a total of 9 terrorists comprising 1 adult male, 3 adult females and 5 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operation.
Between 28 January – 2 February 2025, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State and Shinkafi, Zurmi and Maradum LGAs of Zamfara State.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized 8 terrorists, arrested 6 and rescued 55 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 53 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones and the sum of ₦290,000.00 only among others.
On 30 January 20 25, following credible reports, troops raided and arrested 8 persons with close relations to a wanted high-profile file kidnapper identified as Dogon Dawa in Kabba Bunu LGA of Kogi State.
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 13 violent extremists/criminals and recovered 2 locally made Revolver Pistols one pistol with 3 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 46 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo 2 mobile phones, and the sum of ₦725,400 only.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 4, arrested 2 violent extremists and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 6 AK 47 Rifles, one K2 Daewoo Assault Rifle, 2 fabricated rifles, one K2 magazine, 104 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 5 magazines, 5 mobile phones and the sum of ₦260,200.00) only among others
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized one violent extremist, arrested 30 and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 4 AK47 Rifles with 5 magazines containing 80 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one pistol, 2 locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 48 daggers and 11 motorcycles.
According to, him troops in the South South foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about Two Hundred and Ninety Two Million Six Hundred and Forty Four Thousand One Hundred Naira (N292,644,100.00) only. The breakdown includes: 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,100 litres of PMS.
Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 220 crude oil cooking ovens, 23 dugout pits, 2 boats, 17 storage tanks, 7 drums and 24 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one pumping machine, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 2 vehicles among others.
In a related development, troops recovered 61 weapons and 1,5ammunitionons including but not limited to the following: 26 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, Daneane guns, 8 pump action guns, 346 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 53 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 920 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammo, 16 cartridges, 14 assorted arms and 20 assorted ammunitions.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,100 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 220 crude oil cooking ovens, 23 dugout pits, 2 boats, 17 storage tanks, 7 drums and 24 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one pumpimachinenes, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 2 vehicles among others.
Troops apprehended 23 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 2 baofeng radios, 2 magazines, 2 assorted arms and 89 assorted ammunitions.
While troops of Operation UDO KA arrested 5 IPOB/ESN terrorists and rescued 4 hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, 8 pump action guns, 4 local mapistolstol, one dan gun, 101 cartridges, 6 empty mags of AK 47 Rifles, one baofeng radio, 2 motorcycles, aIED-making materials while manweres were detonated.
Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
Maj General Kangye said gallant men and women of the armed forces will continue to carry out constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of a Nerian in line with global best practices.