By Emmanuel Daudu
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified their operations against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country, leading to the neutralization of over 150 terrorists and the arrest of hundreds of suspected criminals.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a media briefing, emphasizing that the military’s sustained offensives have significantly degraded terrorist activities nationwide.
According to Major General Kangye, in the past six weeks alone, troops neutralized 75 terrorists and arrested 138 suspected criminals in coordinated operations across multiple theaters.
He noted that joint efforts with security agencies and hybrid forces also resulted in the rescue of 46 kidnapped victims and the disruption of criminal supply chains, particularly those involved in arms smuggling and oil theft.
Providing an update on security operations in the South-South region, Kangye stated that the military foiled oil theft operations valued at approximately ₦646 million.
He detailed that troops successfully seized 497,152 liters of stolen crude oil, 142,000 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and 4,075 liters of petrol (PMS).
Additionally, he reported the destruction of 42 illegal refining sites and the recovery of various arms, vehicles, and communication equipment used by oil theft syndicates.
The Defence Spokesperson further revealed that 65 members of Boko Haram and ISWAP including 12 men, 19 women, and 34 children surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the past week.
“In counterterrorism operations, our forces neutralized 22 insurgents, arrested 13 others, and successfully rescued 34 kidnapped victims in coordinated clearance missions across Gwoza, Konduga, Damboa, and Mafa,” he added.
Kangye also highlighted the seizure of 12 AK-47 rifles, RPGs, ammunition, and aircraft engine components from a previously unidentified crash site.
Furthermore, he disclosed that 18 ISWAP collaborators were apprehended in Borno and Yobe States, with items including arms, mobile phones, and ₦58,980 in cash recovered.
Speaking on military advances in the North-West under Operation Fasan Yamma, Kangye confirmed that 58 terrorists were neutralized, while 11 others were arrested.
He highlighted key breakthroughs, including:
Weapons Recovery: 31 AK-47 rifles, RPGs, and thousands of rounds of ammunition were seized.
Rescue Missions: Troops freed 16 kidnapped victims during operations across Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Sokoto States.
Notorious Terrorist Arrested: Security forces apprehended a terrorist kingpin, Muhada Muhammadu (Yellow), along with four others, recovering ₦2.45 million in the process.
Kangye also provided insights into operations under Operation Whirl Punch, stating that security forces successfully carried out raids in Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Raid on Insurgent Camp in Kogi: Troops arrested eight criminals and seized two locally made revolvers and ammunition.
Illegal Mining Crackdown in Nasarawa: 51 individuals involved in illegal mining were arrested, and security operatives confiscated gold, lithium, and mining equipment.
Troops intercepted a kidnapped victim who had escaped captivity and provided security support.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke recorded further successes:
Arrests & Seizures: 51 violent extremists were captured, and security forces recovered three AK-47 rifles and ammunition.
Hostage Rescues: Troops rescued 11 kidnapped individuals in Plateau State, while multiple criminal suspects linked to violent attacks were apprehended.
Summarizing military efforts across all theaters of operation, Major General Kangye stated that in recent weeks, the Armed Forces:
Neutralized 151 terrorists, Arrested 313 suspects, including gunrunners and oil thieves, Rescued 107 kidnapped victims, Seized over 60 AK-47 rifles, RPGs, and thousands of rounds of ammunition and Destroyed multiple illegal refineries and criminal hideouts
Kangye reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian military to dismantling terrorist networks, securing national assets, and restoring peace across the country.
He urged citizens to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies to aid the ongoing fight against insurgency and organized crime.
Africa Security Investigation News 