The Defence Headquarters on Friday stated that its troops, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, intensified operations along both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations across all theatres during the period under review, achieving resounding outcomes.
Giving updates on troops' activities across all theatres of operations between 30 June and 10 July 2025, the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye revealed in a press statement that troops discovered and destroyed 15 illegal refining sites, scores of terrorist, bandits and IPOB/ESN criminals were killed, while some of them were arrested. Others surrendered to our troops due to superior firepower as well.
Major General Kangye also revealed that 8 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered. 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 9 boats, 19 storage tanks, and 21 drums were recovered. 9 vehicles were seized from the criminals. Items recovered include some arms and ammunition as well as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and IED making materials.
In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over Two Hundred and Sixty Three Million Eight Hundred and Forty Three Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty Two Naira (N263,843,522.00) only.
In Operation Hadin Kai, on the 4 – 9 July 2025, troops encountered some terrorists were killed in action, 5 of their collaborators were arrested, while 4 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation in Gwoza, Kaga, Mafa, Ngala, Abadam, Bama, Biu, Konduga, Damboa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State and the general areas of Platari, Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu triangle, eliminating scores of terrorists.
In Operation FANSAN YAMMA on the 10 of July, 2025, the Air Component in conjunction with surface forces conducted a major offensive operation during which scores of terrorist leaders and commanders were taken out in the general area of Jam-Gemu, Maskekari, Yarbuga and Kinduntu villages under Waye and Kanya district in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State.
Relatedly, troops while on routine patrol made contact with terrorists in Maru and Talata Mafara LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Binji, Sabon Birni and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State. They also conducted operations in Dankon-Wasagu and Arewa LGAs of Kebbi State as well as Matazu and Katsina LGAs of Katsina State.
During these operations, our gallant troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested 5 of them and rescued 2 kidnapped victims. Items recovered during the operations include arms and ammunition as well as motorcycles and the sum of N28,720.00, while terrorists' camp and other equipment were burnt.
In Operation SAFE HAVEN between 30 June – 8 July 2025, troops made contact with extremists and killed some of them, arrested 18 and rescued 7 kidnapped victims Some weapons, ammunition and a vehicle as well as motorcycles were recovered from them during operation in Wase, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
On 6 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, while on routine patrol arrested a militia in an ambush position with the intent to attack commuters along Kafi-Abu-Rakwok road in Gashish District in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Items recovered from him includes 1 locally fabricated AK47 rifle, 1 AK47 magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special amongst others.
Maj General Kangye also revealed that troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE eliminated some terrorists, arrested 8 of them and rescued 2 kidnapped victims. They also recovered arms and ammunition and arrested an extremist’ kingpin identified as Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor) in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Weapons and dangerous items were recovered in his possession.
They eliminated some extremists in Makurdi, Guma and Katsina-Ala, LGAs of Benue State as well as Karim Lamido, Takum and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. They widened their operations to Nasarawa Eggon and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Nasarawa and Kogi States as well as Kuje Area Council of the FCT where they intercepted an armed courier.
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive operational tempo during the period under review. Sequel to the arrested of a POS vendors on the 26 June 2025, further investigation led to the arrest of a sponsor and logistic supplier to Mother Valley IPOB/ESN Camp on 2 July 2025 in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
"4 POS machines, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N250,600.00 was recovered from him. Also, 4 suspected IPOB/ESN members/informants were arrested in Ihialla and Ehime Mbano LGAs of Anambra and Imo state, respectively," he said
He stressed that troops' professionalism, resilience, and determination will continue to inspire confidence in our collective ability to overcome the myriad of security challenges facing us as a nation.
He noted that military operations across the various regions are yielding tangible results, and we continue to evolve new strategies to meet emerging threats.