ARMED FORCES RECORD MAJOR GAINS IN NATIONWIDE MILITARY OPERATIONS

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded significant successes in ongoing operations across the country between 10 and 17 July 2025, killing several terrorists, arresting criminal suspects, rescuing kidnapped victims, and foiling acts of oil theft and sabotage.The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting national sovereignty, restoring peace, and safeguarding the lives of all Nigerians. He said the military operations are being conducted in synergy with hybrid forces and other security agencies across various theatres.According to him, in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued aggressive operations across Borno and Yobe States, killing scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, arresting collaborators and logistics suppliers, and rescuing kidnapped civilians. Areas covered included Bama, Gwoza, Abadam, Damboa, Konduga, Askira Uba, and Kala Balge, among others. Seven kidnapped victims were rescued during the period, and several IEDs were recovered and safely detonated. Troops also arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers, including a 65-year-old man caught at a motor park in Yobe State. Additionally, 16 family members of terrorists, including four women and 12 children, surrendered to troops in Bama LGA.In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted raids and responded to terrorist activities in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, and Katsina States. During the operations, several terrorists were killed, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and arms, ammunition, and motorcycles were recovered. Troops arrested three suspected arms dealers in Sokoto with nine AK-47 rifles and over 450 rounds of ammunition. A known kidnapper and extremist, Gambo Sani, was also arrested in Bauchi State.In the North Central region, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to distress calls and carried out offensive patrols in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, and Kogi States. Troops eliminated extremists, rescued hostages, and arrested several suspects. In one particular incident along Jos-Sanga Road, troops intercepted a bullet-ridden vehicle and arrested two suspects after they attempted to bribe soldiers. Recovered items included weapons, ammunition, a vehicle, and the sum of ₦13,742,000.In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 1,759 litres of kerosene. They destroyed 18 illegal refining ovens, 32 pits, and 19 refining sites, and arrested 42 suspected oil thieves. Weapons, ammunition, boats, motorcycles, vehicles, and other equipment were recovered. In separate operations, troops apprehended a notorious cult leader known as Commander Junior and 13 others in Rivers and Delta States. Twenty-eight oil thieves and suspected drug dealers were also arrested in Bayelsa State.Troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East maintained an offensive posture throughout the week. Two IPOB/ESN members were killed, 14 suspects arrested, and eight kidnapped victims rescued across Anambra, Abia, Imo, and Enugu States. Troops also apprehended an IPOB tax collector in Ihiala, Anambra State, recovering ₦1.5 million from him.Major General Kangye noted that farming activities have resumed in previously affected communities in northern Borno and parts of the North West and North Central regions, due to improved security. He stated that foot and aerial patrols continue across farmlands to provide cover for returning farmers.On diplomatic matters, Kangye responded to recent claims by the Turkish Ambassador-designate alleging the presence of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in Nigeria, operating under the guise of education and health institutions. He stated that Nigeria remains an independent sovereign nation capable of making its own decisions on security and counterterrorism based on credible intelligence. He warned against embracing foreign narratives that may not align with Nigeria’s interests or reality, emphasizing that the Nigerian military conducts its operations in line with established codes of conduct and operational guidelines.He concluded by urging the public to continue supporting the military’s efforts by reporting suspicious activity, while assuring that the military remains committed to transparency and operational excellence in line with its constitutional mandate.