By Victor Akaa
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Thursday announced a significant blow to terrorism in Nigeria, revealing that many top terrorist commanders have been killed during military operations in the first quarter of 2025.
According to Major General Marcus Kangye, Director l Defence Media Operations, troops have demonstrated exceptional bravery and resilience in various encounters, including raids, ambushes, and clearance operations.
While briefing newsmen in Abuja, the Director noted that the air component has also conducted successful reconnaissance, close air support, and interdiction missions, degrading the terrorists’ strength and will to fight.
According to him, many terrorist commanders, including Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Abdullahi (aka Honour), Jagaban, and Dan Danger, were eliminated in the ongoing operations across the country.
He said Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over N7.4 billion, recovering 6,290,437 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,319,350 litres of illegally refined AGO, and other petroleum products.
Major General Kangye said troops also recovered huge quantities of assorted arms, including machine guns, RPG tubes, automatic weapons, and locally fabricated guns and IEDs.
He said cores of terrorists were arrested, and kidnapped hostages were rescued.
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“The sustained operations against the terrorists also led to the arrest of scores of them, rescue of kidnapped hostages as well as surrendering of many to our troops. Some gunrunners and terrorists’ logistics suppliers such as Alhaji Mansur Mohammed, Shehu Babangida, Sagi David, Blessing Paul, Shuaibu Maji were also arrested.
“During the Quarter, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over Seven Billion, Four Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Six Naira (7,428,648,246.00) only.
“The breakdown indicates: 6,290,437 litres of stolen crude
oil, 1,319,350 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,130 litres of DPK and 4,545 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 257 crude oil cooking ovens, 128 dugout pits, 192 boats, 138 storage tanks, 236 drums and 122 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include; barge, speedboats, pumping machines, drilling machines, and over 90 vehicles.” He explained.
The DHQ assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with other security agencies, will continue to synergize efforts to address the nation’s security challenges.
