Troops Sustain Operations against Terrorists, Bandits, Others to Enhance National Security

… Neutralise terrorists, arrest logistics suppliers, recover large cache of arms and ammunition

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops and other security agencies has intensified onslaught against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across all the theatres of operations

This disclosure was made by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye in a weekly press briefing on the ongoing operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the week ending from 3 to 9 October, 2025.

While providing an update of operational activities of the AFN during the period in focus, Major General Kangye stated that troops of the Armed Forces in conjunction with relevant security agencies actively engaged in series of operations designed to enhance national security, promote stability, and national interests both at home and abroad.

The operations, he explained “demonstrated our collective resolve to confront emerging threats in an ever-evolving global security landscape.
“Our focus is to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our duty to inform the public about the efforts and the principles guiding our actions.

“DHQ is aware of the public interest in the ongoing military operations, and we are committed to providing you with timely and accurate information about our activities across all theatres.

“Our forces are currently engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in order to combat specific threats, securing our citizens and provide secure environment for economic activities to thrive amongst others.

“These operations are being conducted with utmost precision and a clear focus on minimizing collateral damage and ensuring the safety of civilian populations in line with global operational standards.

“Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices making material.

Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.

“Below are highlights of operational activities from all theatres being coordinated by the AFN,” he stated.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI

The Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the week ending, sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region. Our ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.

During these operations, they eliminated several terrorists, arrested their logistics suppliers and other criminals, recovery of weapons, dismantling of their networks and support for safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities.

For instance, from 3 – 8 October 2025, troops conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists in Bama, Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, Ngala and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. They also conducted operations in Gombi and Tongo LGAs of Adamawa State.

During the encounters, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and arrested 9 of them, while 3 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were also recovered, and their camps were destroyed. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody.

Relatedly, between 4 – 6 October 2025, 12 terrorists’ collaborators, informants and their sympathizers were arrested in Chibok and Gubio LGAs of Borno state as well as Mubi South and Geidam LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States respectively. Logistics items, vehicles, drugs and large quantities of PMS were also recovered. Recovered Items are in troops custody, while interrogation is ongoing.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

Troops of OPFY sustained operational tempo throughout the week with significant activities.

During fire fights, some terrorists were eliminated and kidnapped victims rescued. For instance, from 3 – 8 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Chikun and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Sakaba and Anka LGAs of Kebbi and Zamfara States.

They also conducted operations in Shinkafi and Malumfashi LGAs of Katsina State as well as Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State.

During these operations, several terrorists were killed, 8 of them were arrested, while 33 kidnapped victims were rescued. Among items recovered, 2 brands new motorcycles, mobile phones and the sum of N3,000,000.00 were recovered suspected to be for Sansom payment to secure release of kidnapped victims. Currently investigation is ongoing to ascertain details of the items.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE

During the period under review, troops of OP ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities in some sectors. For instance, from 4 – 7 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State as well as Lere, Jamaá and Zangon Kaaf LGAs of Kaduna State.

During the firefights, some extremists were killed in action, arrested 7 of them and rescued 2 kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles and cash worth N1,300.000,00 were recovered from them.

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 4 – 7 October 2025 in Takum, Ibi and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Dekina and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Kogi State.

Similar operations were conducted in Katsina Ala, Gwer West and Toto LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States. During the operations, troops killed some criminals in action, arrested 3 suspected criminals, while 2 kidnapped victims were rescued.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE

In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over Two Hundred and Twenty Four Million Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N224,220,000.00) only. The breakdown indicates; 22,450 litres of stolen crude oil, 5,500 litres of AGO and 150,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 7 boats, 11 storage tanks and 6 illegal refining sites. Furthermore, 8 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.

Relatedly, between 4 – 7 October 2025, troops on offensive operation, arrested 8 suspected and rescued one kidnapped victim in Ahoada East and Toru LGAs of Rivers State as well as Ughelli North, Ethiope East and Sapele LGAs of Delta State. Weapons, ammunition and natural resources were recovered from them.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA

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

Between 3 – 8 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Oru West, Owerri West and Mbano LGAs of Imo State as well as Umuahia South LGA of Abia State. During these planned operations, troops neutralized a terrorist and arrested a wanted IPOB/ESN terrorists’ commanders identified as Uche Okafor (aka Whipper) and 4 others. Weapons, ammunitions, vehicles and improvised explosive devices were recovered.

Additionally, 4 more criminals were arrested in Ihiala and Enugu East LGAs Anambra and Enugu State between 3 – 6 October 2025.

In conclusion, Major General Kangye reassured that “troops of AFN remain committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action in the country.

He added that “the success of ongoing operations is a testament to the determination and resilience of our troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure our nation.

“The Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in all operations and assures Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.