Emmanuel Daudu
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has sustained momentum in its nationwide operations, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, foiling oil theft and arresting dozens of criminals across the country in the week ending 25 September 2025.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during the weekly military briefing, stressing that the coordinated operations reaffirm the nation’s commitment to defeating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Speaking on the North East theatre, Kangye said troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to deny Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. He explained that the operations in Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, Marte, Bama and other locations led to the elimination of scores of terrorists and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. He further revealed that from 15–22 September, troops arrested 26 terrorist collaborators and informants, recovering fabrics, vehicles, motorcycles and improvised explosive device materials.
On operations in the North West, the Defence spokesman said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant breakthroughs in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger and Kebbi States. He confirmed that several terrorists were eliminated in firefights, while 14 kidnapped victims were freed. According to him, a notorious terrorist, Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu, was arrested alongside two accomplices in Niger State, while four other suspects were also nabbed in Kebbi.
Highlighting successes in the North Central region, Kangye said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE disrupted terrorists’ activities in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Nasarawa States and the FCT. He stated that 52 criminals were arrested, 9 victims rescued, while a weapon factory was discovered and dismantled in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.
He added that in Taraba, a wanted kidnapper, Saawuan Wuaiyolna, linked to the gang of “Full Fire”, was arrested, while in the FCT, three kidnappers were captured and a victim rescued in Kuduru.
In the South-South, Kangye reported that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over ₦19.7 million. He explained that the troops destroyed 14,760 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,720 litres of DPK and 625 litres of PMS. According to him, 14 cooking ovens, 16 illegal refining sites, 11 boats and other equipment were also destroyed. He added that 19 oil thieves were arrested, while 21 other suspects were picked up across Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. Five kidnapped victims were also rescued during the operations.
On the situation in the South East, Kangye stated that troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure in Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Cross River States. He revealed that several terrorists were neutralised, six were arrested, while three kidnapped victims were rescued. He added that weapons, ammunition, vehicles and improvised explosive devices were also recovered in the encounters.
The Defence Headquarters, according to Kangye, commended the bravery of troops across all theatres, noting that the week’s achievements underscore AFN’s determination to deny terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil thieves freedom of action. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in securing the country and creating a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
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