The Defence Headquarters has averred that the Armed Forces of Nigeria persist in executing meticulously planned strategic operations that effectively decimate potential threats and uphold peace within our borders.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye made this known on Friday during a press briefing with defence correspondents on ongoing military operations across the country within the last one week.
He maintained that the AFN is resolved to protecting the lives and property of citizens, upholding the rule of law, and fostering a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians, which has led to the arrest and elimination of terrorists, violent extremists and other criminal gangs, as well as the apprehension of economic saboteurs.
For instance, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over One Hundred and Forty Six Million, Six Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty Naira (N146,614,380.00) only.
The breakdown indicates 142,960 litres of stolen crude oil, 39,175 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 29,500litres of DPK. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 73 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 19 boats, 51 storage tanks, 28 drums, and 21 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered include outbound engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, hoses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 12 vehicles.
Also, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices. Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.
In the Northeast, troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI in conjunction with security agencies and hybrid forces, conducted offensive operations in Gwoza, Ngala and Marte LGAs of Borno State as well as Bade and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State, during which some terrorists were eliminated while one drug peddler was arrested.
Also, 3 kidnapped victims were rescued. The troops also recovered arms and ammunition as well as IEDs/IED making materials, motorcycles, and vehicles amongst others. Terrorists’ camp and equipment were burnt insitu.
Notably, during well-coordinated operations conducted in Kukawa and Ngala LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam LGA of Yobe State between 5 – 7 June 2025, troops arrested 5 terrorists logistics suppliers, collaborators and a Chinese nationale, who claimed to be a miner. He is currently under investigation to ascertain his claims.
Amongst the items recovered were vehicle, motorcycle, mobile phones, Chinese International passport, while the sum of N10,000.00 was also recovered from them.
In the Northwest, troops of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA made contact with terrorists during fighting patrols conducted in Shinkafi, Maru, Tsafe and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Tangaza, and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State.
They also conducted operations in Dan-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi state, during which, some terrorists were killed. Also, 2 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some weapons, as well as assorted ammunition and motorcycles, were also recovered.
During the period under review, troops of OPERATION SAFE HAVEN in the North Central geopolitical zone, conducted offensives, counter kidnapping and criminality operations in Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
Following these operations, some violent extremists were eliminated, 3 were arrested while one kidnapped victim was rescued. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from them.
In the Southeast, troops of OPERATION UDO KA, in sustained offensive operations also recorded some successes including the elimination of one extremist and the arrest of 2 others in Aguta and Effium Ohaukwu LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. Some weapons and ammunition, as well as vehicle were recovered from them.
Similarly, between 6 – 9 June 2025 troops, acting on a tip-off arrested 8 suspected extremists in Isuikwuato and Aguta LGAs of Abia and Anambra State respectively. They recovered weapons and ammunitions as well as stolen vehicle and a laptop computer.
In his closing remarks, Maj. Gen. Kangye averred that the AFN are unwavering in their commitment to the ongoing mission of safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation and ensuring peace and stability across all regions.
“This dedication is exemplified by the tireless efforts of our personnel who work tirelessly day and night to protect our borders and maintain security. Their resilience in the face of challenges is truly commendable and serves as a testament to their unwavering loyalty to the nation”, he said.
He acknowledged the vital role that the public plays in supporting the Armed Forces, adding that the cooperation and support of citizens are essential in our collective efforts to overcome any obstacles that may arise.
“By standing united and working together, we can effectively address any threats to our national security and build a safer, more prosperous Nigeria for generations to come.
“As we move forward, we are committed to keeping the nation informed of our progress and future endeavors. Transparency and communication are key pillars of our operations, and we strive to maintain open channels of dialogue with the public”, he said and gave assurances that the AFN will continue to uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism in all that they do.
