By Joy Odor Abuja, Nigeria
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified their nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, eliminating terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting suspects, and dismantling criminal networks across multiple theatres of operation between 29 July and 8 August 2025.
Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO) who disclosed this at the weekly update on the operational activities of its gallant troops during the week on Thursday in Abuja, noted that troops conducted raids, ambushes, fighting patrols, air strikes, and covert missions that yielded “resounding successes.”
Kangye noted that the air component provided critical support through reconnaissance and interdiction missions, eliminating numerous Boko Haram, JAS, and ISWAP fighters while destroying their camps.
He explained that the week’s report covers major gains in Operation HADIN KAI (North East), Operation FANSAN YAMMA (North West), Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE (North Central), as well as Operation UDO KA (South East) and Operation DELTA SAFE (South South).
The Defence Headquarters also highlighted that enhanced security from military operations has enabled farmers to continue cultivation across conflict-prone areas, a measure that will be maintained throughout the farming season.
NORTH EAST – Operation HADIN KAI
In Borno and Yobe States, troops eliminated numerous Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters, arrested 12 suspects (including collaborators), and rescued two kidnapped victims.
Operations in areas such as Ajiri, Bulabulin Forest, Ngala, Bama, and Damaturu also led to the recovery of logistics vehicles, motorcycles, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which were safely detonated.
NORTH WEST – Operation FANSAN YAMMA
Troops in Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States killed several terrorists, arrested four others, and rescued seven kidnapped victims.
A wounded victim was evacuated for urgent medical care.
NORTH CENTRAL – Operation SAFE HAVEN & WHIRL STROKE
In Plateau State, troops neutralised extremists in Mangu, Riyom, and Jos East LGAs, arrested suspects, and recovered arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles.
In Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the FCT, troops rescued 12 kidnapped victims, arrested 17 suspects (including a gunrunner), and seized weapons, large ammunition stockpiles, and ₦842,100 in cash.
SOUTH-SOUTH – Operation DELTA SAFE
Troops thwarted oil theft valued at ₦73,289,510, seizing 63,824 litres of stolen crude oil, 11,190 litres of illegally refined DPK, and dismantling four illegal refinery sites.
Equipment including ovens, dugout pits, storage tanks, and boats were destroyed.
Nine suspected oil thieves and kidnappers were arrested, while one kidnapper was killed in a gun battle. Cash totalling ₦3.6 million, weapons, and ammunition were recovered.
SOUTH EAST – Operation UDO KA
In Enugu, Abia, and Anambra States, troops arrested four suspected IPOB/ESN members and one kidnapper, seizing weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle.
Major General Kangye commended the troops’ resilience and reaffirmed that the Armed Forces, working with other security agencies and hybrid forces, remain committed to restoring peace, securing communities, and ensuring farmers can safely cultivate their lands throughout the season.
