By Gift Wada
In an effort to strengthen national security, the Nigerian Armed Forces have recorded significant operational successes across various regions, neutralizing terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and dismantling illegal oil refining sites in multiple states.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during the weekly press briefing on ongoing military operations for the week ending October 16, 2025.
He commended troops for their courage, discipline, and professionalism, noting that their coordinated efforts have continued to yield positive results in the fight against insecurity nationwide.
According to him, troops under Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive offensives in the North East, denying Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents freedom of movement in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Several terrorists were killed, 16 collaborators arrested, and seven kidnapped victims rescued. The troops also recovered assorted arms, vehicles, fuel, and over ₦5 million in cash.
In the North West, forces under Operation Fatsan Yamma maintained high operational tempo across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States. The troops killed several bandits, arrested 14 others, and rescued six kidnapped victims. During separate operations, one suspected gunrunner and two drug dealers were also apprehended with over 1,300 rounds of live ammunition, hard drugs, and ₦227,000 cash.
In the North Central region, Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke continued clearance operations in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory. Eleven suspects were arrested in Plateau and Kaduna States, while four others were sentenced to one-year imprisonment for conspiracy and theft.
Similarly, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 17 kidnapped victims, neutralized several criminals, and recovered arms, vehicles, and livestock.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe disrupted oil theft operations valued at over ₦98.7 million. They destroyed illegal refineries and recovered 92,500 litres of stolen crude oil, petroleum products, and several boats and storage tanks. Thirteen suspects were arrested during the raids, while additional operations in Delta and Rivers States led to the arrest of nine criminals and the recovery of weapons and vehicles.
The South East also witnessed intensified military actions under Operation Udo Ka, which led to the arrest of a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Gentle and eight other suspects in Imo and Ebonyi States. A female logistics supplier linked to the group was also apprehended in Abia State, with three children belonging to a wanted terrorist leader found in her custody.
Major General Kangye commended the gallant officers and men for their “unwavering dedication and courage in the face of evolving security challenges,” emphasizing that the Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.