By Bavoriat Clara
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the firm command of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa , delivered a sweeping and coordinated offensive across the country in July 2025, dealing devastating blows to terrorists, oil thieves, and other enemies of the state.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, troops neutralized several notorious terror commanders including Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar across multiple theatres.
According to Kangye, a total of 578 suspects including terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, and other criminals were arrested, while 134 kidnapped victims were safely rescued from captivity.
The month also witnessed the surrender of a major terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, along with 151 of his fighters and their families a development military officials described as a critical fracture within insurgent strongholds.
Accoding to him, Troops continued to extend their dominance from the forests of the North East to the creeks of the Niger Delta.
In the North East, Operation HADIN KAI forces, supported by air assets and local intelligence networks, carried out kinetic operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, dismantling terrorist cells, recovering weapons, and rescuing hostages. Among the arrested was a foreign ISWAP operative unable to speak any local Nigerian language.In the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA raided terrorist enclaves in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States, killing several fighters, rescuing kidnapped victims, and capturing key operatives.
In Sokoto and Kebbi States, operations in Sabon Birni and Argungu led to the elimination of four terrorists and recovery of abductees.Meanwhile, Operation SAFE HAVEN troops in Plateau and Kaduna States disrupted violent extremist activities in Wase, Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom LGAs. In addition to rescuing seven victims, they arrested Dayabu Idris, a wanted extremist mastermind, and four other collaborators.
In the North Central region, Operation WHIRL STROKE forces carried out precision strikes and intelligence-led raids in Benue, Kogi, FCT, Niger, Taraba, and Nasarawa States. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 13 criminals, the rescue of three hostages, and recovery of arms, motorcycles, and operational vehicles.
Also, the most significant economic blow dealt in July came from Operation DELTA SAFE in the oil-producing South South region. Troops uncovered and dismantled illegal bunkering infrastructure worth over on point three billion naira (₦1.3 billion.) Items destroyed included 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil, 269,257 litres of illegally refined diesel, 126 crude oil cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, and 73 illegal refining sites. A total of 285 suspects were arrested, with large caches of arms, explosives, and vehicles recovered.
In Delta and Rivers States, 18 additional suspects, ranging from oil thieves and cultists to IPOB/ESN affiliates were arrested, and key logistics items confiscated.In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops maintained their pressure on separatist threats.
A suspected IPOB/ESN member was eliminated during an attempted escape in Enugu, while six others were arrested in operations spanning Enugu, Imo, and Cross River States.
Across all fronts, the Armed Forces demonstrated professionalism, restraint, and tactical excellence in alignment with international humanitarian standards. Major General Kangye reiterated that all operations were conducted with strict adherence to the rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
> “Every operation we execute is guided by duty, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. We remain focused on protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, and we thank citizens for their continued support as we press forward,” he said.
As Nigeria confronts evolving threats from multiple fronts, the Armed Forces remain unshaken in their resolve restoring peace, defending the nation’s sovereignty, and reclaiming communities from the grip of terror and criminality.
admin