The Armed Forces of Nigeria have ramped up operations across all regions, recording major successes in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and economic sabotage efforts in the week ending June 20, 2025.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have ramped up operations across all regions, recording major successes in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and economic sabotage efforts in the week ending June 20, 2025.
Troops foiled oil theft worth over ₦250 million, neutralized scores of terrorists, arrested dozens of criminal collaborators, and rescued numerous kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation.
In a comprehensive briefing, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that “our resolve to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law, and foster a secure environment remains undaunted.”
One of the standout operations occurred in the Niger Delta under Operation Delta Safe, where troops uncovered and destroyed 16 illegal refining sites and confiscated over 221,170 litres of stolen crude oil, 28,495 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and 3,140 litres of petrol (PMS).
“These criminal activities amount to economic sabotage,” Maj Gen Kangye stated. “Our troops recovered 46 cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 23 boats, and 44 storage tanks. We estimate the value of thwarted theft to be ₦250,425,833.”
Additionally, 27 oil thieves were arrested, and arms, ammunition, vehicles, mobile phones, and other logistics used in illegal operations were seized.
In the North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, the military recorded major psychological victories as scores of ISWAP and Boko Haram members surrendered, alongside their families. Notably, 19 kidnapped victims were also released unconditionally by repentant fighters in Katsina State.
Troops also eliminated several terrorists and arrested seven logistics collaborators in Borno State. Recovered items include IED materials, ammunition, and motorcycles.
In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma clashed with armed groups in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto States. Several terrorists were killed or captured, and six terrorist collaborators were nabbed. Troops also rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered weapons and motorcycles.
Under Operation Safe Haven, troops in Plateau and Kaduna states intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality drives, killing several extremists and arresting 14 suspects, including a notorious kidnap kingpin, Muhammed Isah. Eight extremists were arrested and 13 victims rescued.
In Operation Whirl Stroke, which covers Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, two extremists were neutralized, and troops foiled a planned attack in Guma and Katsina-Ala LGAs. Six criminals were arrested in Nasarawa and Kogi, and arms and phones were recovered.
Troops of Operation UDO KA maintained pressure on separatist extremists in the Southeast, killing five and arresting nine suspects in coordinated operations across Imo, Anambra, Abia, and Ebonyi States. Recovered items included weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle. Troops also responded swiftly to intelligence reports on kidnapping in Ihiala and Mbaitoli, arresting a key suspect.
From destroying terror cells in the Northeast to securing critical infrastructure in the South-South, and cracking down on violent extremists in the Middle Belt, Maj Gen Kangye affirmed that “troops across all theatres demonstrated uncommon bravery and professionalism.”
He emphasized that civilian cooperation is vital: