Abuja, Nigeria – July 25, 2025 — The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major operational successes by the military between July 10 and July 22, 2025, across the country, including the rescue of 170 kidnapped victims, the neutralization of terrorists, and the disruption of illegal oil bunkering worth over ₦241.2 million.
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed the developments in Abuja, highlighting that security operations intensified in the North East, North West, North Central, and South-South regions.
🔹 North East: Mass Surrender and Terrorist Arrests
In Borno and Adamawa States, troops under Operation HADIN KAI launched targeted raids in Goniri, Madaganari, Amuda, Chenene, Tokumbere, and Lambawa-Kalari.
- 13 terrorists arrested
- 3 kidnapped victims rescued
- 9 suspected collaborators detained
- Large numbers of terrorists surrendered with their families
🔹 North West: 138 Victims Freed, Notorious Terrorist Captured
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops swept through Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, and Niger States.
- 106 victims rescued in Zamfara’s Maru LGA
- 32 more released to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
- 6 terrorists arrested
- Arms, motorcycles, and ₦192,300 recovered
- Top terrorist “Mamiyo” and five others arrested in joint DSS operations
🔹 North Central: Gunrunner and Kidnap Informant Nabbed
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE made critical arrests in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the FCT.
- 17 kidnap victims rescued
- Gunrunner caught with 350 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
- 11 suspects detained across Kogi, Nasarawa, and FCT
- Terror suspects linked to attacks near Federal University Wukari arrested
🔹 South-South: Illegal Oil Refineries Dismantled
In Operation DELTA SAFE, military personnel disrupted several illegal oil refining operations.
- 14 illegal refineries shut down
- Recovered:
- 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil
- 13,000 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO)
- 2,500 litres of petrol (PMS)
- 237 suspects arrested
- Destruction of 30 crude ovens, 28 pits, and multiple vehicles
🛡️ Military Vows Continued Protection
“These operations reaffirm our commitment to national security,” Kangye stated. “We remain resolute in neutralising threats and restoring peace across all troubled regions.”
He commended the resilience of Nigerian citizens and the support of strategic partners, assuring that the Armed Forces will continue to improve operational tactics to safeguard lives and property.
