Troops Eliminate Dozens of Terrorists, Arrest 578 Suspects in July Operations
The Nigerian Armed Forces neutralized dozens of terrorists and arrested 578 suspected insurgents, oil thieves, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in various theaters of operation across the country in July 2025.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, while giving a breakdown of key achievements during the military’s monthly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Kangye, troops conducted multiple land, air, and maritime operations under Operation Hadin Kai, Hadarin Daji, Safe Haven, Whirl Stroke, and Delta Safe, among others, with significant outcomes recorded in the fight against terrorism, oil theft, banditry, and violent extremism.
“In the month of July 2025, troops neutralised several terrorists across the country and arrested no fewer than 578 criminal suspects. Additionally, 134 kidnapped hostages were rescued, while large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered,” Kangye told reporters.
In the North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, troops reportedly killed over 60 terrorists and captured key ISWAP and Boko Haram commanders. Notably, airstrikes in the Timbuktu Triangle neutralized terrorist leaders and destroyed several hideouts.
A total of 142 suspected terrorists were apprehended in the region, and 34 AK-47 rifles, 6 PKT machine guns, 379 rounds of ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered.
Under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Whirl Punch, troops engaged in fierce battles with armed bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto States. Several bandit camps were raided, and more than 170 criminal suspects, including arms couriers and informants, were arrested.
One of the key operations, according to Buba, involved the neutralisation of bandit kingpin Alhaji Bako and his gang in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara.
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In the North-Central theatre, under Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke, troops rescued over 55 kidnap victims, killed several militia elements, and arrested cultists and cattle rustlers. Over 120 assorted weapons were recovered from criminal elements.
In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe dismantled 73 illegal refineries, intercepted 60 wooden boats used for crude oil transportation, and arrested 285 suspected oil thieves. The military also recovered over 3.7 million litres of stolen crude oil valued at over ₦1.3 billion.
“These illegal activities not only sabotage our economy but also damage the environment. The armed forces remain committed to putting an end to oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” Kangye said.
The Nigerian Air Force executed over 85 successful sorties during the month, providing close air support and conducting surgical strikes against terrorist convoys in Borno and Zamfara States. The Nigerian Navy also carried out coordinated patrols to secure coastal waters, resulting in arrests of smuggling vessels and sea pirates.
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed that terrorist commander Ibn Ali and 151 members of his family surrendered to troops in Mafa, Borno State. Preliminary investigations indicate Ali was a top logistics commander for ISWAP.
Buba said those who surrendered are undergoing profiling for possible reintegration under the federal government’s deradicalisation programme.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its resolve to sustain momentum and urged Nigerians to support security forces with credible intelligence.
“The military remains committed to its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and will continue to ensure that terrorists, bandits, and oil thieves find no haven,” Major General Buba affirmed.
He urged the media to continue accurate reporting of military operations, while cautioning against sensationalism and unverified claims that could jeopardise national security.
By PRNigeria
