Armed Forces Sustaining Operational Momentum Against Terrorism Across Nigeria – DHQ
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has averred that troops of the Armed Forces in conjunction with relevant security agencies have sustained the momentum against terrorists, extremists and criminals, leading to the dismantling of their networks and other criminal sanctuaries.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, said this on Thursday during the weekly press briefing with defence correspondents on the ongoing military operations of troops across the various theatres of operation, within the last one week.
He said that troops of the Armed Forces are currently engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to combat specific threats and provide a secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, adding that these operations, conducted with utmost precision and a clear focus on minimizing collateral damage, have led to the strangulation of oxygen channels to economic saboteurs amongst others in order to enhance national security, promote stability and national interests at home and globally.
For instance, in the Northeast, ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces of OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre, in Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, Marte, Bama, Ngazai, Chibok and Biu LGAs of Borno state as well as Bula, Nguru and Mubi North LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa States.
During the encounters, 26 terrorists collaborators, informants and terrorists sympathizers were arrested. Logistics items, large quantity of fabrics, vehicles, motorcycles and IED marking materials were also recovered. Recovered Items are in troops custody, while interrogation is ongoing. Also, 3 kidnapped victims were rescued.
In the Northwest, troops of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) recorded significant successes following the conduct of various operations and their engagement with terrorists. Troops’ offensive operations in Kajuru, Giwa, Kagarko and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State, in Anka and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State, in Kankara, Kurfi and Musawa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Binji and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State, led to the elimination of several terrorists, while 4 of them were arrested. Arrested terrorists are currently undergoing interrogation.
Of note is a covert operation by troops which led to the arrest of a notorious terrorist identified as Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu alongside 2 others in Paiko LGA of Niger State on 17 September 2025. Similarly, 2 kidnappers’ informants were arrested in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State on 22 September 2025. Additionally, 4 other suspected terrorists were arrested in Bagudu LGA of Kebbi State on 21 September 2025. During the encounters, troops eliminated some terrorists, recovered arms and ammunition and rescued 14 kidnapped victims.
During the period under review, troops of OPERATION ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) in the country’s North Central geopolitical zone, responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities in Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bassa, Qua’An Pan, Riyom, Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jamaá, Kaura, Zangon Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. During the firefights, troops killed some of the terrorists, arrested 52 criminals and rescued 9 kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.In a related development, troops raided a local weapon manufacturing factory at Heipan District in Barkin Ladi and arrested one criminal on 17 September 2025, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from the raided factory. Also, at Miyar village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, a suspected kidnap kingpin was arrested on 23 September 2025.
Also in the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded some successes in their Area of Responsibility during the week. They conducted various operations during which some criminals were killed, others arrested, while 7 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Relatedly, they arrested a high-profile kidnapper identified as Saawuan Wuaiyolna, a member of a notorious syndicate who is on the wanted list and is believed to be a member of a criminal gang under the leadership of one Akiki Utivi also known as Full Fire in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Additionally, between 17 – 22 September 2025, troops arrested 11 other criminals in Karim Lamido and Ardo Kola LGAs of Taraba State. Similarly, they arrested some criminals in Lokoja and Nasarawa LGAs of Kogi and Nasarawa States.
In a related development, 3 kidnappers were arrested, while a kidnapped victim was rescued at Kuduru high ground in AMAC of FCT on 18 September 2025. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation. Recovered items are in troops custody, while interrogation is ongoing.
In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre in the Southsouth, troops foiled oil theft worth about N19.75m, with a breakdown which indicates 14,760 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,720 litres of DPK and 625 litres of PMS.
Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 14 crude oil cooking ovens, 7 dugout pits, 11 boats, 8 storage tanks and 16 illegal refining sites.
Furthermore, 19 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
Relatedly, between 13 – 21 September 2025, troops on offensive operation, killed some criminals in action, arrested 16 suspected and rescued 5 kidnapped victims in Ika North, Sapelle and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State as well as Obubra and Mbo LGAs of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
Troops also arrested 4 suspected criminals in Warri South and Ethiope LGAs of Delta state as well as Yenagoa and Onna LGAs of Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states respectively.
Troops of OPERATION UDO KA (OPUK) in the Southeast sustained offensive posture throughout the week under review. Between 17 – 23 September 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Njaba and Mbaitoli LGAs of Imo State as well as Bakassi and Obubra LGAs of Cross Rivers state.
They furthered their operation to Ezeagu and Orumba North LGAs of Enugu and Anambra states respectively, where they eliminated some terrorists/criminals, arrested 6 of them, and rescued 3 kidnapped victims. They also recovered weapons, ammunition, vehicles and improvised explosive devices.Kangye stated that troops of the AFN remain committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action in the country.
“The success of ongoing operations is a testament to the determination and resilience of our troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure our nation”, he said.
The Defence Headquarters, while commending the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in all operations, gave assurances of its continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
