Troops with other Security Stakeholders Executed Strategic Operations to Counter Hostile Elements, Restore Security

…. Even as farmers now have unfettered access to their farms

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continued to exhibit it commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the affected areas.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director Defence Media Operations stated this during the weekly press briefing on the ongoing Military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the weekend of August, 29, 2025.

“This week’s press briefing provides an overview of the recent military engagements, highlights the operational successes, and reaffirms the unwavering dedication of the Nigerian Armed Forces to protect and defend the nation’s citizens, infrastructure, and territorial integrity to achieve lasting peace and security in Nigeria.

“The re-newed operational strategy have afforded our farmers to carry out farming activities unhindered. This effort will be sustained throughout the farming season and beyond,” he said.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI

The operational activities of Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the week spanned 21 – 27 August 2025, troops of OPHK sustained the momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action in the North East region.

During the period, ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security stakeholders, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.

Their effort led to the elimination of terrorists, their logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons, dismantling of terrorists’ networks and support for safe resettlement of displaced persons and their safe return to farming activities.

Gallant troops conducted kinetic operations against terrorists in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar, Chibok, Monguno and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. During the encounters, troops eliminated scores of terrorists, while 5 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Also, between 22 – 27 August 2025, troops conducted operations in Ngazai, Askira Uba, Monguno, Chibok and Maiduguri Metropolitant Council of Borno State as well as Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.

During the encounters, 11 collaborators/informants were arrested. Ammunition, logistics items, illicit drugs, PMS, vehicles, motorcycles and the sum of N70,050.00 were also recovered from them, while some IEDs were safely detonated in Abadam, Gwoza and Mobbar LGAs of the State.

Following intensity of gallant troops firefights, a terrorist fighter belonging to Abu Ayuba syndicate surrendered to troops in Kwayari village in Kaga LGA of Borno State on 20 August 2025.

The terrorist surrendered weapon and ammunition and willing to cooperate in non-kinetic negotiation for other members of the syndicate to surrender

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

Troops of OPFY upscaled their operations during the week in focus where some terrorists were eliminated and kidnapped victims rescued.

For instance, between 21 – 27 August 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Kankara, matazu and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Makarfi, Igabi and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State.

They also conducted operations in Rabah and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto state as well as Maradun LGA of Zamfara State.

During these operations, some terrorists were killed, 28 of them and other criminals were arrested, while 76 kidnapped victims were rescued during an aircraft bombardment of terrorist location at Pauwa Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Relatedly, our gallant troops responded to information about terrorist activities in Malumfashi and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State as well as Tsafe, Anka, Matazu and Bakura LGAs of Zamfara State.

They also conducted their operation down to Tureta and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State. During the encounters, troops eliminated terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped victims.

Meanwhile, between 21 – 25 August 2025, 4 suspected terrorists were arrested in Kontagora and Matazu LGAs of Niger and Katsina States respectively. Arms, Ammunition, motorcycle and the sum of N321,000.00 were recovered from them.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAFE HAVEN

During the week, troops of OPSH responded to several distress calls about terrorists activities in some sectors.

For instance, within the period 22 – 26 August 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Bokkos, Bassa, Wase, Jos East, Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jamaá, Kaura and Zangon Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State.

During the firefights, troops killed some of the terrorists, arrested 19 criminals and rescued 7 kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them. Relatedly, a notorious armed robber identified as Abdullahi Abubakar and 9 others were arrested between 22 – 26 August 2025 in Bassa, Mangu, Pankshin, Jos South, Bokkos and Jos East LGA of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.

Additionally, troops arrested 5 gunrunners and 2 wanted criminals identified as Abu Habu and Suleiman Haruna in Bassa, and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State on 23 and 24 August 2025. Weapons, ammunition, vehicle, motorcycle, boefeng radio and the sum of N89,400 were recovered from them.

Recovered Items are in troops custody, while interrogation is ongoing.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded some successes in their area of responsibility during the week. They conducted operations between 21 – 27 August 2025 in Guma, Otukpo, Ohimini, Ukum, Agatu and Gwer West LGAs of Benue State as well as Ardo-Kola, Takum, Lau and Karim Lamido LGAs of Taraba State.

Similar operation was conducted in Kokona and Keana LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils of the FCT.

They also operated in Lokoja and Kabba LGAs of Kogi State as well as Bwari Area Council of the FCT.

During the operations, troops eliminated some extremists/kidnappers, arrested 13 of them and rescued 29 kidnapped victims. They also recovered arms and ammunition, mobile phones, motorcycles and vehicles.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE

In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over Four Hundred and Forty Three Million One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Naira N443,153,650.00) only.

The breakdown indicates; 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 188,450 litres of AGO. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 8 boats, 16 storage tanks and 12 illegal refining sites.

Other items recovered include, pumping machines, mobile phones and 3 tricycles, 4 vehicles. Furthermore, 33 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives, were also recovered.

Between 21 – 26 August 2025, troops while conducting offensive operations,
arrested 13 suspected criminals and reused 2 kidnapped victims in Sapele, Aniocha North and Ughelli LGAs of Delta State as well as Ahoada and Onelga LGAs of Rivers State.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA

Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive posture throughout the week under review.

They engaged and killed some terrorists, arrested 9 suspected IPOB/ESN members in Okigwe, and Enugu South LGAs of Imo and Enugu States as well as Ohafia and Ihiala LGAs of Abia and Anambra States respectively.

In closing remarks, Major General Kangye reiterated that “our gallant troops and other security agencies as well as Hybrid Forces will continue to work together in line with global best practices in ensuring that peace and security is returned to all troubled part of the country.”