Military Kills Terrorist Commanders, Arrests Over 1,100 Others in Q2 Operations – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria killed several top terrorist commanders, arrested over 1,191 suspects, and rescued 543 kidnapped victims between April and June 2025 in sustained counterterrorism, anti-banditry, and anti-criminality operations across the country.
This was disclosed in a quarterly operational report at the bi-weekly press briefing today on by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, who commended troops for their bravery, resilience, and professionalism across all theatres of operations, despite challenges including improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to the DHQ, the second quarter of the year recorded major gains in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, IPOB/ESN, armed bandits, oil thieves, kidnappers, and other criminal elements posing threats to national security and economic stability.
“During this period, troops eliminated key terrorist commanders including Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze alias Onowu,” Gen. Kangye stated.
The military also confirmed the mass surrender of 682 terrorists and their families, largely attributed to sustained aerial and ground offensives in the Northeast under Operation HADIN KAI. Additionally, over 1,191 suspects were arrested across various operations, including arms dealers, bandits, and terror logistics collaborators.
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In the Northwest, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA eliminated several terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered arms and ammunition in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.
In the North Central, under Operations SAFE HAVEN and WHIRL STROKE, troops killed extremists, arrested kidnappers and criminals, and rescued victims in Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and Taraba States.
The South also saw significant successes. In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled crude oil theft estimated at ₦3.5 billion, destroying 174 illegal refining sites and recovering over 2.3 million litres of stolen crude oil. A total of 12 oil thieves were arrested.
Meanwhile, in the Southeast, troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended IPOB/ESN suspects, recovered arms and IEDs, and arrested individuals linked to the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander in Anambra State.
Weapons recovered during the period included automatic rifles, RPG tubes, machine guns, IEDs, locally fabricated firearms, and a large cache of ammunition.
Gen. Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defending national integrity and thanked the media for supporting transparency in reporting the military’s successes and sacrifices.
“We assure Nigerians that our troops remain professional, observing the Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations, the Laws of Armed Conflict, and Rules of Engagement,” he added.
The Defence Headquarters also extended appreciation to field commanders and troops across all theatres for their exceptional service in the face of persistent threats.
By PRNigeria
