By Victor Akaa.
In a series of coordinated operations, Nigerian troops have achieved significant successes across various regions, eliminating 74 terrorists, arresting 140 suspects, and apprehending 31 perpetrators of oil theft.
According to the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the operations also resulted in the rescue of 61 kidnapped hostages.
According to reports, the troops conducted joint operations with other security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He emphasised that the operations involved fighting patrols, raids, ambushes, and clearance operations, among others, in all the theatres of operations across the country.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded significant successes. Between February 6 and March 12, 2025, a total of 143 terrorists surrendered to troops, including 5 adult males, 66 adult females, and 72 children.
He noted that the troops also neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 3, and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. He added that, the troops recovered 7 AK-47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 3 locally fabricated rifles, and 286 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In the North West, General Kangye said troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA eliminated 18 terrorists, arrested 12 kidnapped hostages, and recovered several arms and ammunition.
According to him, the troops also foiled an attempted kidnap in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He further noted that the troops also arrested 3 suspected criminals in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and recovered 2 mobile phones and N1,000.
In the South South, the Director noted that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
He explained that the troops recovered 675,266 liters of stolen crude oil, 312,593 liters of illegally refined AGO, and 4,500 liters of DPK.
He further explained that troops also discovered and destroyed 51 crude oil cooking ovens, 49 dugout pits, 43 boats, 28 storage tanks, 131 drums, and 56 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered include 4 pumping machines, 4 tricycles, 3 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones, and 8 vehicles. Additionally, 31 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, and 11 assorted arms and 103 ammunition were recovered.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested 5 criminals, neutralized 1, and rescued 1 victim.
The Director said troops also recovered several arms and ammunition and repelled an attack by IPOB/ESN extremists in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
He assured that the Nigerian military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians.
