How Troops Crippled Terrorists, Bandits, and Oil Thieves in Nationwide Operation
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified their nationwide operations, crippling terrorist networks, dismantling bandit camps, and thwarting oil theft syndicates across the country in the past week.
Between October 9 and 16, 2025, the coordinated offensive covered major operational theatres, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East, resulting in the death of several insurgents, arrest of dozens of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of weapons, vehicles, and stolen crude oil.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. He said the latest operational outcomes demonstrated the Armed Forces’ renewed vigour and intelligence-driven approach to internal security challenges.
“Troops recovered large quantities of arms, including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, and locally fabricated rifles. They also seized ammunition and explosives, while disrupting criminal logistics routes and networks,” Kangye said.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained their momentum against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. Kangye said the troops killed several fighters, arrested 16 collaborators and informants, and rescued seven kidnapped victims during operations in Konduga, Magumeri, Monguno, and Kaga local government areas of Borno State, as well as parts of Adamawa and Yobe. Troops also recovered over ₦5 million, weapons, vehicles, and fuel supplies.
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In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant gains across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States. At least 14 suspects were arrested and six kidnapped victims rescued during multiple clearance operations in terrorist enclaves. Troops also seized over 1,300 rounds of live ammunition, motorcycles, cash, and hard drugs from gunrunners and drug traffickers.
Similarly, in the North-Central, the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralized extremists and arrested 11 suspects in parts of Plateau and Kaduna States. Recovered items included weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles used for attacks. Four other suspects charged with conspiracy and theft were sentenced to one year imprisonment each in Jos South, the DDMO added.
Also in the same region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE intensified clearance operations in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kogi States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. The operations led to the death of several armed criminals, the arrest of 12 others, and the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and destroyed illegal refining sites, seized over 92,500 litres of stolen crude oil, and arrested 13 oil thieves. The total value of oil theft prevented during the period was estimated at ₦98.7 million.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a wanted IPOB/ESN commander known as Gentle, alongside eight others, in parts of Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia States. A female logistics supplier was also apprehended with three children belonging to a wanted terrorist leader, Maduabuchi Nwankwo, also known as Emergency.
Major General Kangye commended the troops for their “unwavering dedication and courage in the face of evolving security challenges,” assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained determined to restore lasting peace and stability across the country.
“These achievements are the result of coordinated efforts, intelligence-driven strategies, and the continued support of patriotic Nigerians,” he said. “Together, we will continue to advance towards a safer and more secure Nigeria.”
By PRNigeria
