By Helen Udo, Abuja -NIGERIA.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria 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 with resounding outcomes. During the week, scores of terrorist, bandits and IPOB/ESN criminals were killed, while some of them were arrested. Others surrendered to our troops due to superior fire power as well. The professionalism, resilience, and determination of our troops will continue to inspire confidence in our collective ability to overcome the myriads of security challenges facing us as a nation.
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. The breakdown indicates: 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined AGO and 947 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 9 boats, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums and 15 illegal refining sites. Furthermore, 8 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered. Also 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. These was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, On the 4 – 9 July 2025 in Abuja said that troops conducted kinetic operation against Boko Haram
and ISWAP terrorist in the general areas of Platari, Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu triangle eliminating scores of terrorists. Also, large number of terrorists comprising adult males and females including children surrendered to troops as operational tempo heightened across the theatre. Troops also conducted operations in Gwoza, Kaga, Mafa, Ngala, Abadam, Bama, Biu, Konduga, Damboa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. During the encounters, some terrorists were killed in action, 5 of their collaborators were arrested, while 4 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered. They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs while the sum of N822,500.00 was also recovered. Similarly, a high profile terrorists Commander identified as Ibn Ali surrendered to troops with his weapons and cache of ammunition in Bama LGA of Borno State.
According to the statement ” On the 10 of July, 2025, Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in conjunction with surface forces conducted a major offensive operations during which scores of terrorist leaders and commanders were taking 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 insitu.
Between 30 June – 8 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists activities in Wase, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. While conducting these operations, they 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. Relatedly, 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.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded high level of successes in their areas of responsibility during the week. 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 were they intercepted an armed courier. During the operations, troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested 8 of them and rescued 2 kidnapped victims. They also recovered arms and ammunition and arrested an extremists’ kingpin identified as Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor) in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Weapons and dangerous items were recovered in his possession.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined AGO and 947 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 9 boats, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums and 15 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 9 vehicles. Furthermore, 8 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives, were also recovered. Troops while conducting offensive operations, arrested 5 suspected criminals/Kidnappers in Oshimili and Ugheli North LGAs of Delta State as well as Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State. Weapons and ammunition as well as vehicles and motorcycles were recovered from them.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.
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The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute and committed to defending the territorial integrity of our nation and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. Our operations across the various regions are yielding tangible results, and we continue to evolve new strategies to meet emerging threats. We acknowledge the support and cooperation of all Nigerians, whose support and patriotism strengthen our resolve.
We also appreciate the continued collaboration with other security agencies, government institutions, and international partners in the collective fight against terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminality. The Armed Forces will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored to every part of our country. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities timely to the appropriate authorities. Together, we will secure Nigeria for our future generations.
