The Defence Headquarters' Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, on Friday unveiled significant progress in military troops operations, which include neutralisation of key insurgent leaders, destruction of several terrorists’ camps, as well as rescue of kidnapped victims and rehabilitation of civilians affected by the conflict.
"Our dedicated troops have shown remarkable courage and professionalism in the face of adversity. We are collaborating closely with local and international partners to enhance intelligence-sharing and operational effectiveness. The cooperation of local communities has also been invaluable in our intelligence-gathering efforts.
"While operational security requires discretion on certain details, we remain focused in our determination to defeat terrorism, banditry and other criminalities in the country to ensure the safety of all Nigerians," he said
Major General Markus said during the week in focus, troops of Operation HADIN KAI between 23 – 30 April 2025, recorded the surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. Scores of terrorists, comprising adult males and females as well as children, surrendered to troops as operational tempo heightens during the week.
Troops between 23 - 29 April 2025, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, conducted offensive operations including fighting patrols, raids and clearance operations in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok,Gujba, Geidam and Yunusari LGAs of Borno and Yobe States. During the operations, some terrorists were neutralised, while 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. They also recovered arms and some quantities of assorted ammunition as well as motorcycles and bicycles.
In a well-coordinated operation conducted from 26 - 29 April 2025 in Bama, Kukawa and Madagali LGAs of Borno and Adamawa States, troops intercepted 4 terrorists’ logistics suppliers. Sadly, 2 of them were confirmed to be mebers of hybrid forces. Commanders are to therefore, sensitize hybrid forces personnel to desist from colluding with or encouraging terrorists actscapable of sabotaging own operations.
"Our gallant while on operations during the week, discovered Improvised Explosive Devices in Abadam, Damboa, Kukawa, Ngala and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States. The Improvised Explosive Devises were successfully detonated in-situ by own IED experts.
Troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA between 24 and 30 April 2025, conducted fighting patrols and made contact with terrorists in Isa and Sobon Birni LGAs of Sokoto as well as Shinkafi and Faskari LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina States respectively. During the encounters, some terrorists were neutralized, while 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some weapons as well as some of assorted ammunition, livestocks, vehicles and motorcycles were also recovered.
Troops responded to information about terrorists’ activities in Tangaza and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Faskari, Kankiya of Katsina State. They also conducted operations in Tsafe, Gusau, Shinkafi, Anka and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Giwa and Ngaski LGAs of Kaduna and Kebbi State from 25 – 29 April 2025. During the encounters, some terrorists were neutralized, 7 of them were arrested, while 12 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition as well as vehicles and motorcycles were also recovered from them.
Similarly, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a terrorist at the residence of a suspected terrorists kingpin, known as Sale Makeri in Isa LGA of Sokoto State during a search and rescue operation on 25 April 2025.
During the period under review, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN from the period 26 - 28 April 2025,while conducting offensive operations, made contact with extremists in Bassa, Jos North and Kauru LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States. Following a fire fight, our gallant troops neutralized some extremists and arrested 7 of them. Items recovered from the criminals includes weapons, assorted ammunition, vehicles and DSS personnel Identity card.
Similarly, on 27 and 28 April 2025 troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested over 17 suspected criminals/kidnapers in Jos East, Bassa, Jos South and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. Recovered from them were arms, ammunition and livestock.
Troops, while on anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations responded to credible intelligence about criminal activities in Jos South and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State on 25 April 2025. During the operations, 5 criminal elements were arrested, while some livestocks were also recovered.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE between 25 - 29 April 2025, troops while conducting offensive operations, made contact with violent extremists in Borgu and Kababa Bunu LGAs of Niger and Kogi States as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT. Troops and security agencies also conducted operation in Donga and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State.
During encounters, our gallant troops neutralized some extremists, arrested 19 of them and other criminal elements. They also rescued 2 kidnapped victims, recovered arms and large quantity of ammunition as well as boefeng radios, vehicles, motorcycles and the sum of N401,500,00.
Similarly troops conducted offensive operations in Makurdi, and Katsina Ala LGAs of Benue State as well as Hong and Mubi LGAs of Adamawa State. During the operations, 9 criminals were arrested, while arms and ammunition were recovered from them as well as the sum of N1,240,000.00.
From 25 - 30 April 2025, troops while on anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations responded to information about criminal activities in Gwer West, Katsina Ala and Guma LGAs of Benue State as well as Keana and Wukari LGAs of Nasarawa and Taraba State. During the operations, scores of extremists were neutralized, 6 others were arested, while 7 kidnaped hostages were also rescued.
Similarly, on 25 and 30 April 2025 troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 3 suspected extremists in Ukum and Agatu LGAs of Benue State as well as Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Items recovered from them were arms and ammunition as well as 4 mobile phones.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta during the week under review
Troops recovered 86,490 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,821 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,650 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 72 crude oil cooking ovens, 41 dugout pits, 13 boats, 2 speedboats, 29 storage tanks, 47 drums and 22 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 7 vehicles. Furthermore, 18 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
Between 25 – 30 April 2025, troops while conducting offensive operations made contact with criminals in Ahoada South and Ahoada West LGAs of Rivers State as well as Warri South and Ekot Ekpene LGAs of Delta and Akwa Ibom States. During the operations, troops arrested 8 criminals and recovered a truck containing natural gas.
Similarly, on 25 and 26 April 2025 troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 6 suspected vandals/kidnapers in Onelga and Yebagoa LGAs of Rivers and Bayelsa States as well as Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State. Criminals were handed over to appropriate authority for further action.
Troops of Operation UDO KA between 25 - 29 April 2025, while conducting offensive operations, made contact with terrorists in Aguta, Ihiala and awka South LGAs of Anambra State as well as Igbo-Eze South LGA of Enugu State. During the operations, troops arrested 4 extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped victims. Items recovered from them includes: arms and some Improvised Explosive Devices making materials.
Similarly, on 25 - 29 April 2025 troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 4 suspected criminals in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State as well as Ohafia and Ihiala LGAs of Abia and Anambra States respectively. Arested suspect were handed over to appropriate authority for further action.
Major General Markus Kangye noted that these operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of our people and the restoration of peace in affected regions.
He affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to be guided by clear objectives: to safeguard national security, support our allies, and maintain regional stability.
"We recognize the importance of transparency and accountability, and we remain committed to keeping the public informed through accurate and timely updates.
"Against this backdrop, the Armed Forces of Nigeria are calling on all law-abiding citizens to continue sharing credible information with our troops in order to enhance our operations.