By Joy Odor, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified joint operations across multiple theatres, dealing heavy blows to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves in a renewed push to restore peace and security nationwide.
In its by-weekly media briefing on the ongoing military operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja by Major General Markus Kangye, the Director Defence Media Operations,
revealed that troops, working with sister agencies, eliminated several notorious terrorist commanders and arrested key criminal elements in targeted operations across Plateau, Kaduna, and Kogi States.
The DDMO mentioned that among those neutralized were Adamu Buba, alias Mai-Pankshin, who had terrorized Riyom, and Abdullahi Abubakar, infamous for deadly raids on Rafiki village in Bassa LGA, Plateau State.
According to him, security forces also apprehended two suspected arms traffickers along the Kwoi-Keffi road in Kaduna, as well as kidnappers Mohammed Sanusi and Usman Alhaji Bala in Obajana, Kogi State.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted massive crude oil theft worth over ₦545.8 million, seizing 619,236 litres of stolen crude oil, 106,147 litres of illegally refined AGO, 5,785 litres of DPK, and 2,650 litres of PMS.
He stated that the forces dismantled 97 illegal refining sites and destroyed over 488 items of equipment used in the illicit trade.
Across all theatres, soldiers recovered a cache of dangerous weapons including automatic rifles, machine guns, RPG tubes, anti-aircraft guns, improvised explosive devices, and thousands of live cartridges.
Defence officials stressed that sustained pressure has allowed farmers in conflict-ridden areas to return to their fields, a sign of stability gradually taking root.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment, Defence Headquarters emphasized that transparency, accountability, and public engagement remain central to operations, as the armed forces continue to neutralize threats and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
