Kehinde Fajobi
The Defence Headquarters reported on Thursday that combined forces of the Nigeria military killed 75 terrorists, arrested 138 individuals, and rescued 46 kidnapped victims over the past ten days.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed these successes in an operation targeting criminal elements across Nigeria.
Troops also apprehended 36 individuals linked to oil theft and disrupted the activities of violent extremists, gunrunners, and their collaborators.
A total of 104 weapons were recovered, including AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated guns, and pump action guns, alongside over 2,600 rounds of ammunition.
“Troops recovered 104 assorted weapons and 2,639 assorted weapons and ammunition comprising 55 AK-47 rifles, 20 locally fabricated guns, 8 Dane guns, 18 pump action guns, 1,826 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 376 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 366 rounds of 7.62 by 12.7mm ammo, 26 cartridges as well as other 14 assorted arms and 45 assorted ammunition,” said Major General Kangye.
In the South-South region, military efforts thwarted oil theft worth ₦646,189,690. Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, including crude oil cooking ovens, dugout pits, and boats.
They recovered 497,152 litres of stolen crude oil and 142,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Troops discovered and destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 164 crude oil cooking ovens, 37 dugout pits, 19 boats, 16 storage tanks, 38 drums, 3 pumping machines, 4 tricycles, 7 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, and 3 vehicles among others,” Kangye said.
Further operations in Borno State under Operation Hadin Kai saw the neutralisation of 22 terrorists, the arrest of 13, and the rescue of 34 kidnapped victims.
In addition, the troops recovered several weapons, including AK-47s, G3 rifles, RPG tubes, missiles, and even aircraft engines.
“Between 5 – 10 February 2025, troops in conjunction with Hybrid Forces conducted offensive operations including ambushes, fighting patrols, and clearance operations in Gwoza, Konduga, Damboa, and Mafa LGAs of Borno State.
“During the operations, 12 terrorists were neutralized, 3 were apprehended, while 4 kidnapped hostages were rescued,” Major General Kangye added.
Elsewhere in the North West, Operation Fasan Yamma resulted in the neutralisation of 58 terrorists and the rescue of 16 hostages. Among the items seized were 31 AK-47 rifles, 9 fabricated rifles, 2 GPMGs, RPG tubes, and several motorcycles.
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In Kogi State, Operation Whirl Punch troops raided a violent extremist camp, arresting 8 criminals and recovering weapons and ammunition.
In a similar operation in Nasarawa State, 51 individuals involved in illegal mining activities were arrested, with various stolen items recovered.
“The gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to carry out constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians in line with our constitutional roles,” Major General Kangye concluded.