From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces neutralized scores of terrorists and arrested two wanted extremist informants and a logistics supplier, including an ammunition courier, between May 8 and 15, 2025.
This was contained in a statement issued to Triumph on Saturday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye.
According to the statement, the arrests were made during military operations in Suleja and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, where the troops apprehended two wanted extremist informants and logistics suppliers, identified as Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa. An ammunition courier, Rufai Abdullahi, was also arrested in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Major General Kangye disclosed that several arms and ammunition were recovered during the operations.
Other recovered items included locally fabricated guns, motorcycles, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, mobile phones, and vehicles.
Additionally, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft worth over ₦103,909,422 during the same period. The breakdown includes 68,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 2,250 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
He added that within the same period, the troops discovered and destroyed 16 illegal crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, 79 drums, and 18 illegal refining sites.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with hybrid forces and other security agencies, has sustained offensive operations in all theatres across the country,” Major General Kangye stated.
“This heightened activity is particularly crucial as the rainy season approaches, with the aim of securing safe corridors for farmers to return to their fields and contribute to food production, thereby supporting the government’s food security agenda as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He emphasized that under the leadership of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (OFR), the AFN is unwavering in its commitment to national security and the welfare of its personnel.
“Our troops remain resolute and determined to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, national interests, and protect citizens from all forms of threats,” he affirmed.
Highlighting other successes, Major General Kangye noted that the military launched several key operations within the week to combat insurgency, terrorism, and other criminal activities. These operations, he said, were strategically designed to restore peace and ensure the safety of citizens in affected regions.
“Between May 8 and 15, 2025, troops successfully destroyed multiple terrorists’ camps, rescued kidnapped victims, and facilitated the rehabilitation of civilians affected by conflict,” he added.
“Our troops have shown remarkable courage and professionalism, and we continue to collaborate with local and international partners to enhance intelligence-sharing and operational effectiveness. The cooperation of local communities has also been instrumental in our intelligence-gathering efforts.”
He assured Nigerians that military operations will continue across the country in full compliance with the law and with due regard to human rights, in line with global best practices.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in its mission to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening the peace and stability of our country,” he said. “We urge all law-abiding citizens to go about their daily activities without fear of intimidation and encourage the public to continue providing credible information to support our operations.”