The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced a week of major breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country. Troops operating in different theatres recorded significant gains, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering dangerous weapons, and dealing decisive blows to terrorist networks.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made this known in a statement on Friday, September 12, 2025, giving an update on the military’s operational activities for the week ending September 12, 2025.
He revealed that troops seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including automatic rifles, RPG launchers, anti-aircraft guns, machine guns, locally-made firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assorted live cartridges.
“Our troops remain committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens from every form of threat,” Kangye said. “Over the past week, we have made remarkable progress — neutralizing terrorists and their leaders, dismantling their camps, rescuing hostages, and seizing dangerous weapons. The courage and professionalism of our forces, coupled with the support of local communities, have been vital to these successes.”
He added that a new operational strategy has given farmers in previously troubled areas the confidence to return to their farmlands without fear, ensuring a safe and productive farming season
NORTH EAST — OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops in the North East sustained unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists between September 3 and 11, 2025, carrying out both ground and air strikes across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
Operations in Bama, Gwoza, Monguno, Chibok, and Marte LGAs of Borno, and Hong and Mubi North LGAs of Adamawa, as well as Geidam in Yobe, led to the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of 18 terrorist collaborators, and the rescue of five kidnapped victims
On September 3, troops escorting eight humanitarian aid trucks on the Gubio–Damasak Road in Mobbar LGA came under attack. They bravely repelled the ambush, killing several terrorists and seizing weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles.
Another major sweep between September 3–10 saw 23 collaborators, informants, and drug peddlers arrested in Askira Uba, Kukawa, Ngala, Magumeri, and Chibok LGAs of Borno, and Madagali and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa State. Items recovered included logistics supplies, IED components, illicit drugs, and vehicles.
NORTH WEST — OPERATION FANSAN YAMM
In the North West, troops stepped up the heat on terrorists in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger States.
Between September 3–11, coordinated air and ground assaults resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, arrest of 14 others, and rescue of 28 kidnapped victims.
Working alongside the Nigeria Police and NDLEA, troops also raided notorious criminal hideouts in Kaduna Metropolis, arresting 34 suspects and seizing weapons, motorcycles, and a large haul of illicit drugs and cannabis.
Other highlights include:
September 8: Two suspects were intercepted in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, with ₦15 million, believed to be ransom money for relatives held by kidnappers.
Troops freed 14 hostages and recovered arms during operations in Faskari, Matazu, and Sabuwa LGAs of Katsina, as well as Tangaza and Augie LGAs of Sokoto and Kebbi States.
NORTH CENTRAL — OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded swiftly to multiple distress calls, preventing attacks and neutralizing terrorists in Plateau and Kaduna States
Between September 3–10, operations in Riyom, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Jos East LGAs (Plateau State) and Jema’a, Sanga, and Kafanchan LGAs (Kaduna State) led to the arrest of 16 criminals, the rescue of five kidnapped victims, and the recovery of weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles.
A major breakthrough came between September 4–6, when troops arrested notorious extremist Abdulrahman Bega and four of his associates during coordinated raids in Plateau and Kaduna States.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE — NORTH CENTRAL
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke recorded further successes across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT between September 3–10.
Their operations resulted in the neutralization of several extremists, arrest of 44 suspects, and the rescue of three kidnapped hostages.
Recovered items included firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones.
SOUTH-SOUTH — OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops fighting oil theft under Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal refining sites and recovered stolen crude oil worth ₦11.39 million.
Items seized included:
9,760 litres of stolen crude oil
1,900 litres of DPK
3 crude oil cooking oven
8 dugout pits, 4 boats, and 4 storage tanks
5 illegal refining sites
Thirteen suspects were arrested during these raids.
Between September 3–9, troops arrested eight more suspects across Delta and Bayelsa States, and stormed a sea pirate hideout in Bonny, Rivers State, arresting the gang leader and recovering weapons, ammunition, and illicit drugs.
In a significant counter-terrorism move, troops also captured two IPOB/ESN bomb specialists, Onyeka Ezechukwu Arthur and Chukwudi Madaka, on September 4 in Oshimili South LGA, Delta State.
SOUTH EAST — OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation Udo Ka maintained a strong security presence across the South East, ensuring continued peace in the region while preventing crime and violent activities.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting Nigerians while respecting human rights and operating within international best practices.
“Our troops will continue to fight tirelessly to defeat terrorism and other criminal activities. We urge Nigerians to go about their lawful activities without fear and to support the military by providing timely, credible information that can help us achieve even greater success,” he said.
The statement underscores the Armed Forces’ determination to maintain peace and security nationwide while restoring hope and stability in affected communities.