From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that between April and June 2025, military troops killed several notorious terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, arrested no fewer than 1,191 suspects, and rescued 543 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation in the country.
The military also disclosed that 682 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the period under review.
Speaking at a quarterly media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus G. Kangye, listed some of the terrorist leaders eliminated by troops as Amir Abu Fatimah, Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, popularly known as Onowu.
“Just two days ago, bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with troops,” Kangye said. “Last week, several of his top lieutenants were also neutralised.”
He added that several notorious arms dealers and kidnappers on the military’s watch list were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation. Those apprehended include Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Ilu Adamu, Ismaila Ilu Hassan, Michael, and Shittu Muazu Bakassi.
Kangye commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sustained efforts and resilience in tackling terrorism, banditry, and other security threats during the second quarter of the year.
He said, “The military, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, recorded significant operational successes during the period, despite setbacks caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Troops across all theatres demonstrated remarkable courage, resilience, and professionalism in confronting non-state actors.”
He noted that various operations — including Operation HADIN KAI, Operation FASAN YAMMA, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Operation UDO KA, and Operation DELTA SAFE — performed creditably well, eliminating key commanders of Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN.
Kangye also revealed that many economic saboteurs and logistics suppliers aiding terrorist operations were arrested during the period.
“The quarter witnessed a mass surrender of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists due to the overwhelming firepower of our troops,” he said.
In the South-South region, Kangye said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft activities valued at over N3.5 billion. He said 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO, 41,465 litres of DPK, and 26,905 litres of PMS were recovered.
“Additionally, troops discovered and dismantled 174 illegal refining sites and seized 45 vehicles used by the oil thieves,” he said.
He further disclosed that troops recovered several automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) primed for detonation. Assorted ammunition was also recovered from terrorist camps and hideouts.
While acknowledging the dedication of field commanders and frontline troops, Kangye assured Nigerians that the military continues to operate within the framework of the Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations, the Laws of Armed Conflict, and the Rules of Engagement.
He said the DHQ remains committed to achieving lasting peace and security nationwide, as reported by Triumph.
