By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to tighten their grip on security operations across the country, recording major victories against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups within the past week. The coordinated air and ground offensives, conducted in synergy with other security agencies and Hybrid Forces, led to the elimination of scores of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of weapons, vehicles and cash, as well as the destruction of criminal hideouts and illegal economic activities.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a statement, explained that the achievements reflect the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Nigeria. He emphasised that the sustained pressure is restoring peace to troubled communities, enabling farmers to carry out their activities unhindered, and reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security system. He further stressed that the successes are not only a testament to the professionalism and bravery of troops but also highlight the increasing cooperation of local communities in the joint quest for peace.
Between 14 and 21 August 2025, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East denied Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action across several locations in Borno and Yobe States. Working with the Air Component, Hybrid Forces and local stakeholders, the troops killed many terrorists, arrested nine suspects and rescued three kidnapped victims.
They also recovered weapons, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, logistics supplies and a cash sum of N191,700, while several improvised explosive devices were safely detonated. In Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, a captured terrorist led troops to a hidden cache where three AK47 rifles, magazines and ammunition were recovered.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN Yamma stepped up their offensives in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger States. The operations resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of 14 suspects and rescue of 60 kidnapped victims. A further 11 suspected terrorists and collaborators were arrested in parts of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Troops of Operation Safe Haven operating in Plateau and Kaduna States killed terrorists during firefights, arrested two criminals and rescued five kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered. On 17 August in Jos, the General Officer Commanding formally handed over 220 arms and 1,874 rounds of ammunition recovered during various operations to the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. In a major breakthrough, a notorious criminal, Adamu Buba, also known as Mai Pankshin, and 13 others were arrested with arms and motorcycles across Plateau and Kaduna States.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recorded successes in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi States and the Federal Capital Territory. The troops eliminated terrorists, arrested 12 suspects including gunrunners and kidnappers, and rescued five victims. Items recovered during the operations included arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and mobile phones.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal refining sites, foiled crude oil theft valued at over N25 million, and recovered 25,820 litres of stolen crude oil. They destroyed 2 crude oil cooking ovens, 4 dugout pits, 3 boats, 7 storage tanks and 8 illegal refining sites. A total of 33 suspects including oil thieves, vandals and gunrunners were arrested, while assorted arms, ammunition and explosives were seized. In Delta State, troops intercepted a group of kidnappers attempting to collect ransom from relatives of a victim in Aniocha. Three kidnappers were killed, the victim rescued and N2.3 million cash recovered from the scene.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained an offensive posture, killing terrorists and arresting four suspected IPOB/ESN members in Imo and Abia States as well as in border communities around Anambra. Weapons, ammunition and vehicles were seized. On 18 August, troops working with NAPTIP officials raided an illegal orphanage in Owerri West, rescuing nine pregnant women, seven infants and four children who were handed over for further investigation. In related operations, four more IPOB/ESN suspects and sympathisers were arrested in Anambra and Imo States.
Major General Kangye assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, working closely with other security agencies and Hybrid Forces, will sustain the pressure in line with global best practices until peace, security and stability are fully restored in all troubled parts of the country.
admin