Insecurity: Troops Decimate Scores of Terrorists, Arrest others, Apprehend Perpetrators of Oil Theft
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that within the period of 10 – 17 July 2025, troops in various theatres killed scores of terrorists while suspected others were arrested.
DHQ added that troops also apprehended perpetrators of oil theft and other criminals
The Director Defence Media Operations Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this at a press briefing on the ongoing Military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the week 17-24 July, 2025.
OPENING REMARKS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in fulfillment of its mandate, launched several key operations aimed at combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of potential threats in various parts of the country.
These operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of our people and the restoration of peace in the affected states.
Over the past week, significant and commendable progress has been made. Our gallant troops have continued to display exceptional courage, professionalism and dedication in the face of evolving threats.
This briefing will cover key developments in all our operations across the country, successes recorded, challenges encountered and the next phase of our strategic actions.
Let me reaffirm that the safety and well-being of every Nigerian remain our utmost priority. We are working in collaboration with other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to restore lasting peace to all troubled areas.
Within the period of 10 – 17 July 2025, troops in various theatres killed scores of terrorists while suspected others were arrested. They also apprehended perpetrators of oil theft and other criminals.
In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over Two Hundred Forty One Million Two Hundred and Eighty Four Thousand Naira (N241,284,000.00) only. The breakdown indicates: 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,500 litres of PMS.
Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 30 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 2 boats, 7 storage tanks, 14 drums, 8 vehicles and 14 illegal refining sites. Furthermore, 237 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives, were also recovered.
Events that unfolded during the week under review from the theatres of operations are highlighted below.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Between 16 – 22 July 2025, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) sustained efforts to deny Boko Haram, JAS and ISWAP terrorists freedom of action in the North East region.
During the period, our ground forces in synergy with the Air Component and Hybrid forces local security stakeholders, have conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.
Their effort led to the arrest of terrorists’ logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons, dismantling of terrorists’ networks and support for safe resettlement of displaced persons.
The troops conducted kinetic operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist in the general areas of Goniri, Madaganari, Amuda, Chenene, Tokumbere and Lambawa-Kalari towns in Konduga, Gwoza, Monguno, Kala-Balga, Ngazai and Bama LGAs of Borno States as well as Madagali and Michika LGAs of Adamawa State.
They eliminated scores of terrorists, arrested 13 of them and rescued 3 kidnapped victims.
Also, large number of terrorists comprising adult males and females including children surrendered to troops as operational tempo heightened across the theatre. Troops also conducted operations in Jere, Mobbar and Monguno LGAs of Borno State as well as Nguru LGA of Yobe State.
During the encounters, 9 suspected terrorists’ collaborators were arrested. Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered. They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, while the sum of N22,200.00 was also recovered.
Similarly, a vehicle conveying electronics, solar energy power equipment and cartons of soft drinks as well as food stuffs was intercepted along Road Maiduguri – Mafa during an intelligence led operation conducted in Jere LGA of Borno State on 22 July 2025.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Between 17 – 22 July 2025, troops responded to information about terrorist activities in Sabon Birni and Dange Shuni LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Maru, Zurmi and Bakura LGAs of Zamfara.
They also conducted operations in Matazu and Mariga LGAs of Katsina and Niger States as well as Shanono LGA of Kano State respectively.
During these operations, some terrorists were killed, 6 of them were arrested, while 2 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Relatedly, troops while on routine patrol responded to information about terrorists activities made contact in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.
During the encounter, 106 kidnapped victims were rescued. Also, Sequel to the ongoing non kinetic operations in Zamfara State, 32 kidnapped victims comprising of 27 adult females and 5 children were released by the terrorists to ONSA team on 20 July 2025. Additionally, weapons and ammunition were also handed over to the team.
Between 18 – 20 July 2025, troops and DSS personnel raided terrorists/criminal hideouts in Matazu and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Sokoto North LGA of Sokoto State.
During the raids, troops arrest a notorious terrorists identified as Muhammadu Hamisu otherwise known as Mamiyo and 5 others. Items recovered from them includes weapons, illicit drugs, motorcycles, logistics suppliers and the sum of N192,300.00.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAFE HAVEN
Within the period 17 – 21 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State.
While conducting these operations, they contacted extremists and killed some of them, arrested 6 and rescued 17 kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.
Similarly, Sequel to raid operation conducted in a suspected militia hideouts in Barkin Ladi on 21 July 2025, suspect confession led to recovery of weapons and ammunition in Mangu LGA of the state on 22 July 2025.
Following an intelligence led operation conducted in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State on 19 July 2025, our gallant troops arrested a notorious gunrunner identified as Haruna Abdullahi in possession of 350 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Additionally, 6 others suspected criminals were also arrested between 16 – 20 July 2025 in Barkin Ladi and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Investigation ongoing while recovered items in troops’ custody.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded high level of successes in their areas of responsibility during the week. They eliminated some extremists in Guma Katsina Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue state as well as Bali and LGAs of Taraba State.
During the operations, troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested 2 of them and rescued 9 kidnapped victims. They also recovered arms and ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles.
On 16 July 2025, our gallant troops arrested a notorious extremist, an associate of a violent extremists kingpin terrorizing and kidnaping passengers within Federal University Wukari and Road Jootar – Wukari in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Similarly, an suspected informant to extremists/kidnapper kingpin, Kachalla Shuaibu was also arrested in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State. Between 17 -22 July 2025, 4 suspected criminals/kidnappers were arrested in Yagba West, Yagba East and Nasarawa LGAs of Kogi and Nasarawa States respectively, while 5 others were also arrested in Abaji and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the FCT.
Weapons, ammunition and other items were recovered from them. Investigation is ongoing while recovered items are in troops’ custody.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,500 litres of PMS.
Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 30 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 2 boats, 7 storage tanks, 14 drums
and 14 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 8 vehicles. Furthermore, 237 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives, were also recovered.
Troops while conducting offensive operations, arrested 183 suspected internet fraudsters in Uvwie LGA of Delta State and 5 other criminals in Ughelli North LGA of the State as well as Southern Ijaw and Ahoada LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively.
Relatedly, on 15 July 2025 troops in conjunction with professional divers and local fishermen recovered a PKT gun and 400 rounds of ammunition at a boat mishap site in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive posture throughout the week under review. They arrested 7 kidnappers/criminals and rescued a minor suspected to have been kidnapped from Taraba State, on transit to Anambra State and 2 other victims in Abakaliki LGA of Ebonyi State as well as Aninri and Ihiala LGAs of Enugu and Anambra States.
CLOSING REMARKS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and security of our nation. The ongoing military operations have yielded significant progress in neutralizing threats and restoring peace in affected regions.
We appreciate the resilience and cooperation of the Nigerian people, as well as the support from our partners and stakeholders. Moving forward, the Armed Forces will continue to enhance their strategies and capabilities to ensure a secure and stable Nigeria for all citizens.
