The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, has announced significant breakthroughs in ongoing military operations across the country, highlighting the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and their partners in tackling insecurity.
In a press release signed on Friday, August 22, 2025, General Kangye said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and hybrid forces, carried out decisive air and ground offensives that led to the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of weapons and destruction of criminal enclaves.
“These achievements reflect the unwavering resolve of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of our nation against all threats,” Kangye stated. He further noted that the operations have restored relative peace in several communities, creating an enabling environment for farmers to carry out agricultural activities without hindrance.
North East – Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK)
Troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists in Borno and Yobe States between 14 – 21 August. Aggressive operations across Danbore, Arnari, Limankara, Kekeno, Gajiram, Gonori and other locations resulted in the elimination of several insurgents, arrest of nine collaborators, and rescue of three kidnapped victims.
In separate raids in Biu, Ngala, Konduga, Damboa, Gubio, Kukawa and Damaturu, troops recovered weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, logistics supplies, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the sum of ₦191,700. Nine informants were also arrested, while IEDs were safely detonated.
A follow-up operation in Gubio on August 17 led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and ammunition after a captured suspect revealed their location.
North West – Operation FANSAN Yamma
Security forces intensified operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger States. Between August 13 – 20, troops killed several terrorists, arrested 14 suspects, and rescued 60 kidnapped victims.
In Shinkafi, Anka, Kaura Namoda, Tsafe and Faskari LGAs, coordinated raids led to the arrest of 11 suspects and rescue of 46 abductees. Similarly, operations in Kebbi and Sokoto States between 14 – 18 August resulted in the arrest of 11 more suspects.
North Central – Operation Safe Haven (OPSH)
Troops foiled multiple terrorist attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States. Operations in Jos North, Riyom, Wase, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Kanam LGAs neutralised several assailants, led to the arrest of two criminals, and the rescue of five hostages.
On August 17, the General Officer Commanding, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, handed over 220 recovered arms and 1,874 rounds of ammunition to the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Jos.
Additionally, troops apprehended a notorious criminal, Adamu Buba (aka Mai Pankshin), and 13 accomplices in Plateau and Kaduna States.
Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS)
In Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT, troops conducted raids between August 14 – 20 that resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, arrest of seven others, and rescue of five victims. Arms, motorcycles, vehicles and mobile phones were seized.
A suspected gunrunner and five accomplices were also arrested in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
South-South – Operation Delta Safe (OPDS)
The military foiled oil theft worth over ₦25 million in the Niger Delta. Troops discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites, ovens, pits, boats, and storage tanks while seizing over 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Thirty-three oil thieves and criminals were arrested. Arms, ammunition, explosives, and vehicles were recovered.
Troops also neutralised three kidnappers in Aniocha LGA of Delta State during a ransom collection attempt, rescuing the victim and seizing ₦2.3 million meant for ransom payment.
South East – Operation UDO KA
Troops continued their offensive against IPOB/ESN elements, killing several and arresting four suspects in Imo and Abia States. Weapons and vehicles were recovered.
In collaboration with NAPTIP, troops raided an orphanage in Owerri West LGA, rescuing nine pregnant women, seven infants, and four children, all of whom were handed over for further investigation.
Between August 13 – 17, four more IPOB/ESN suspects and a sympathiser were arrested in Anambra and Imo States.
General Kangye reiterated that the Armed Forces, working with other security agencies and hybrid forces, remain resolute in restoring peace across troubled regions of the country.
“We will continue to work in line with global best practices to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” he assured
