The Nigerian military has intensified its nationwide crackdown on terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft, rescuing 38 kidnapped victims and arresting 82 suspects, including terrorist collaborators and oil thieves, in sweeping operations across the country.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a Thursday briefing, noting that multiple terrorist camps were destroyed, dozens of insurgents were neutralised, and an attempt to steal crude oil worth over ₦37 million was foiled.
“Our troops carried out raids, ambushes, fighting patrols, and other covert missions with resounding successes. The air component also conducted strikes that eliminated Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters and destroyed their hideouts,” Kangye said, adding that intensified security has allowed farmers to work without fear during the planting season.
NORTH EAST OFFENSIVE
Ground and air forces, supported by hybrid units and local security networks, struck key terrorist enclaves across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, killing scores of insurgents.
Operations in Limankara, Gwoza, Askira-Uba, Biu, and other hot zones led to the rescue of five hostages and the arrest of 37 suspected terrorists and collaborators. Weapons, ammunition, IEDs, and vehicles were seized.
NORTH WEST PUSH
In Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, troops of Operation Fasin Yamma neutralised armed gangs, arrested 11 suspects, and freed 17 hostages in raids across Malumfashi, Birnin Gwari, Shinkafi, and other flashpoints.
NORTH CENTRAL BLITZ
Troops of Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke dismantled criminal cells in Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT.
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Highlights include the arrest of a gunrunner on Kwoi–Keffi Road with an AK-47 hidden in animal feed and the capture of two notorious arms dealers in Lokoja, Kogi State. In Taraba, a large cache of ammunition was seized from a deserted extremist camp.
NIGER DELTA CLAMPDOWN
Troops of Operation Delta Safe halted oil theft worth over ₦37.5 million, seizing thousands of litres of stolen crude and illegally refined fuel, dismantling illegal refining sites, and arresting 29 suspects in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
SOUTH EAST SECURITY SWEEP
In Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, Operation Udoka forces killed several armed separatists, arrested suspected IPOB/ESN members, and recovered weapons, ammunition, and vehicles.
Military authorities say the sustained operations are part of a broader strategy to degrade armed groups and restore law and order nationwide.