…As Def. says coordinated strikes across all regions yield 90 arrests, hostage rescues, and recovery of weapons and explosives
By Joy Odor | Abuja | October 23, 2025
Nigeria’s Armed Forces have stepped up their nationwide security operations with what military authorities described as a “decisive week of coordinated strikes” that dismantled terror cells, disrupted oil theft networks worth over ₦13.4 million, and neutralised dozens of insurgents across the country.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in its weekly operational briefing for October 16–23, 2025 in Abuja on Thursday, said troops operating under various Joint Task Forces recorded major gains in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and crude oil theft, as well as the rescue of several kidnapped victims.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), who briefed journalists at the Defence Headquarters, said the series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations conducted across six geopolitical zones underscored the Armed Forces’ renewed resolve to safeguard national stability and economic infrastructure.
“Our troops remain unrelenting in denying terrorists, insurgents, and criminal elements the freedom of action anywhere in Nigeria,” Kangye said. “These results show clear progress and commitment to restoring safety for citizens and enabling the economy to thrive.”
North-East: Boko Haram, ISWAP Camps Crushed
In the North-East theatre, under Operation Hadin Kai, troops sustained what DHQ described as “offensive momentum” against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
From Gwoza to Ngala, the operations led to the elimination of several insurgents, the arrest of 13 informants and collaborators, and the rescue of three hostages.
Recovered materials included RPG tubes, automatic rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles, and logistics fuel, while multiple terrorist camps were destroyed.
North-West: Kidnap Rings Dismantled in Katsina, Zamfara
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified ground offensives across Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, killing several terrorists, arresting 11, and freeing 14 kidnapped victims.
Recovered items included livestock, weapons, vehicles, and household goods, many of which had been looted during earlier attacks.
Military analysts note that this sustained tempo could help reopen rural trade corridors long crippled by insecurity in the region.
North-Central: Raid on Notorious Extremist Network
Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops responded to multiple distress calls in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi States, neutralising extremists and arresting 24 suspects.
A major raid in Rawaya village, Barkin Ladi, targeted the residence of Alhaji Mohammed Sule (alias MP), a wanted extremist leader.
Though the suspect evaded capture, troops recovered an arsenal including two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a revolver pistol, six magazines, and 1,202 rounds of live ammunition.
Similarly, under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops operating in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the FCT recorded multiple arrests and rescues.
At least 16 criminals were arrested, while three kidnapped victims regained freedom.
South-South: ₦13.4m Oil Theft Foiled in Niger Delta
Troops under Operation Delta Safe recorded major breakthroughs in anti-oil theft missions across Delta and Bayelsa States.
The DHQ disclosed that soldiers uncovered and destroyed illegal refining sites containing 12,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 840 litres of diesel (AGO), and 1,350 litres of kerosene (DPK), worth an estimated ₦13.45 million.
Also destroyed were six crude oil cooking ovens, 12 boats, five storage tanks, four dugout pits, and two illegal refining sites, while three oil thieves were arrested.
Further raids in Uvwie, Burutu, and Ethiope East LGAs led to the arrest of seven additional suspects.
Security experts say the operations not only safeguard national assets but also protect Nigeria’s crude export integrity amid ongoing reforms in the energy sector.
South-East: Crackdown on IPOB/ESN Networks
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive patrols across Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States, arresting 12 members of IPOB/ESN and rescuing three kidnapped victims.
Recovered weapons, vehicles, and ammunition are now in military custody, DHQ confirmed.
Major General Kangye commended the professionalism and resilience of the Armed Forces, describing the operational outcomes as proof of strategic coordination and inter-agency synergy.
“Our success this week reflects the courage and sacrifice of Nigerian soldiers in all theatres,” he said.
“We will continue to engage both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to safeguard every inch of Nigerian territory.”
He urged the media to “disseminate factual and balanced information” on ongoing operations to sustain public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
