By Joy Odor, Abuja
The Nigerian Armed Forces have reported fresh operational successes across multiple theatres, with troops neutralising terrorists, arresting suspects, rescuing kidnap victims, and foiling oil theft schemes during intensified operations carried out between August 13 and 20, 2025.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted raids in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger States.
The operations resulted in the killing of terrorists, arrest of 14 suspects, and the rescue of 60 kidnap victims.
Among them were 46 persons freed during encounters in Kafur (Katsina), Sabon Birni (Sokoto), Tsafe (Zamfara), Igabi (Kaduna), and Mariga (Niger).
In the North Central, Operation SAFE HAVEN troops responded to distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing several terrorists, arresting two criminals, and rescuing five victims.
The General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. E.F. Oyinlola, also handed over 220 arms and 1,874 rounds of ammunition recovered during operations to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Troops further arrested a wanted notorious criminal, Adamu Buba (aka Mai Pankshin), alongside 13 accomplices.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT eliminated terrorists, arrested seven suspects, and rescued five victims.
A suspected gunrunner and five criminal collaborators were also taken into custody.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over ₦25 million, destroying illegal refining sites and recovering 25,820 litres of stolen crude oil.
Troops arrested 33 suspected oil thieves and criminals across Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.
During one operation in Aniocha, Delta State, three kidnappers were killed while attempting to collect ransom, and ₦2.3 million recovered from the scene.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops engaged IPOB/ESN elements in Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, killing several, arresting eight, and recovering weapons.
In a joint operation with NAPTIP, troops raided an orphanage in Owerri West, Imo State, where they rescued nine pregnant women, seven infants, and four children.
The Defence Headquarters said the operations reflect the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide, while also enabling farmers and displaced persons to return safely to their communities.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, who signed the statement on August 22 on the ongoing military operations by Nigerian Armed Forces, assured that security agencies would sustain the momentum “in line with global best practices to secure every troubled part of the country.
