By Victor Akaa.
The Defence Headquarters Friday said, the military has dealt a significant blow to terrorist groups and oil thieves, in a series of coordinated operations across Nigeria.
Major General Markus Kangye, the Director Defence Media Operations in a statement signed and relayed to newsmen, explained that the military has foiled an oil heist worth over 94 million Naira and eliminated over 100 terrorists.
According to Major General Kangye, the operations, which took place between April 17 and 25, 2025, saw troops engage terrorists and oil thieves in various parts of the country.
He noted that in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have conducted offensive operations, resulting in the surrender of ISWAP/JAS terrorists and the elimination of others.
In the North West, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA killed terrorists, arrested suspects, and rescued kidnapped victims in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states.
Meanwhile, in the North Central, the Director said, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE troops eliminated extremists, arrested suspects, and rescued kidnapped victims in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue states.
“On 18-22 April, 2025 troops ,acting on credible intelligence, arrested over 37 suspected criminals/ kidnappers in Jos North and Wase LGAs of Plateau state as well as Sanga and Jama’a LGAs of Kaduna state.” He explained.
General Kangye stated that the military’s anti-oil theft operations in the South-South region were equally successful. He said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites, arrested suspects, and recovered stolen crude oil and petroleum products worth over 94 million Naira.
According to him, the operations resulted in the killing of over 100 terrorists, the arrest of over 100 suspects, and the rescue of several kidnapped victims.
The military also recovered arms, ammunition, and other equipment, including 62 crude oil cooking ovens, 71 dugout pits, and 36 storage tanks.
He said , similar operations were also conducted in the South East with the troops of Operation UDO KA, recording significant successes.
“Between 18 and 22 April 2025, troops while conducting offensive operations, made contact with terrorists in Okigwe and Orsu LGAs of Imo State as well as Uzo-Uwani and Nnewi North LGAs of Enugu and Anambra States respectively. During the operations, troops neutralized terrorists, arrested some of them and rescued 4 kidnapped victims.
“Recovered from them includes arms and ammunition, extra magazines IEDs, Vehicles, motorcycles and mobile phones.
” Similarly, on 18 – 19 April 2025 troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 3 suspected criminals in Nnewi North and Ohaukwu LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States as well as Enugu South LGA of Enugu State.“
The Armed Forces of Nigeria commended the successes recorded by troops and called on law-abiding citizens to continue sharing credible information to enhance operations
