By Bavoriat Clara
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded sweeping operational victories across the country in the month of September 2025. This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during the monthly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Major General Kangye said the series of coordinated military operations were carried out under different Joint Task Forces (JTFs) — Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North Central, Operation DELTA SAFE in the South South, and Operation UDO KA in the South East. These operations, he noted, were aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft, and other forms of criminality threatening peace and national security.
According to the Defence Media Operations Director, troops arrested 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists, and other criminals, while 39 of them surrendered and 180 civilians were rescued within the month. He added that the operations led to the recovery of 63 assorted arms, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 other items, including grenades, improvised explosive device (IED)–making materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles, and logistics supplies used for criminal activities.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recorded remarkable successes against oil thieves and economic saboteurs. Major General Kangye revealed that the troops foiled oil theft worth ₦112,175,220, recovering 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Additionally, 41 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed, while several oil thieves were arrested.
North East Operations — Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK)
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive actions against Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Major General Kangye said troops conducted clearance and ambush operations in areas including Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, and Kukawa, leading to the elimination of several terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
He noted that troops also arrested 21 collaborators, informants, and terrorist sympathizers. The Defence spokesman commended the synergy between ground forces, the Air Component, and hybrid security outfits, describing their cooperation as key to the progress recorded in the region.
North West Operations — Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY)
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained an aggressive operational tempo across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kano States. Major General Kangye said troops conducted operations in Anka, Bakura, Maradun, Shinkafi, Tsafe, and Maru Local Government Areas (LGAs), where several terrorists were killed and 46 suspects arrested, including a wanted terrorist identified as Ali Saidu.
He added that 13 kidnapped victims were rescued, and several arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and communication devices were recovered from the criminals.
North Central Operations — Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) and Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS)
In the North Central region, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained coordinated operations across Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kogi States, as well as parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In Plateau and Kaduna States, troops engaged extremists in Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa, Jos East, Sanga, and Jema’a LGAs, killing several terrorists, arresting 12 suspects, and rescuing 4 kidnapped victims.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted operations in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kogi States, where they neutralized armed criminals, arrested 6 suspects, and rescued 2 kidnapped victims.
South South Operations — Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS)
In addition to foiling oil theft, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE discovered and destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 7 boats, 11 storage tanks, and 6 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta. Eight oil thieves and other criminals were also arrested, while assorted weapons and ammunition were recovered.
Troops also carried out offensive operations in Bomadi, Ethiope West, and Warri South LGAs of Delta State, as well as Yenagoa and Port Harcourt LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States, leading to the arrest of 36 suspects and the rescue of 2 kidnapped victims.
South East Operations — Operation UDO KA (OPUK)
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA continued offensive operations against criminal gangs in Anambra and Imo States. Between 25 and 30 September 2025, troops conducted raids in Ihiala, Orumba South, and Okigwe LGAs, where one terrorist was killed, four others arrested, and weapons, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices recovered.
Commitment to National Peace and Security
Major General Kangye commended the professionalism, courage, and dedication of the troops for their relentless efforts to safeguard the country. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain momentum in the fight against insecurity and to restore lasting peace nationwide.
“Our gallant troops, in synergy with other security agencies and hybrid forces, will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that peace and stability are returned to all troubled parts of the country,” he assured.
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