THE Nigerian Armed Forces have announced major operational breakthroughs across the country in September 2025, rescuing 180 kidnapped civilians, arresting 450 suspected terrorists and bandits, and neutralising several others in sustained counter-insurgency operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday sent to News Point Nigeria, detailing the coordinated efforts of troops across multiple theatres of operation from the North-East to the South-South and South-East regions.
According to Kangye, 39 terrorists voluntarily surrendered, while troops also recovered a cache of arms and explosives, including 63 assorted weapons, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 explosive devices, such as grenades and materials used in fabricating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“Our troops also recovered logistics and communication equipment belonging to terrorist elements, including motorcycles, vehicles, and hand-held radios,” Kangye said.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, conducting clearance and offensive operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
Between September 23 and 30, troops engaged insurgents in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, Kukawa, Madagali, Hong, and Gujba LGAs, neutralising many fighters and destroying their camps.
Twenty-one (21) terrorist collaborators, informants, and logistics suppliers were arrested, while several weapons, vehicles, and IED materials were seized.
“Our operations have denied terrorists freedom of action, dismantled their networks, and enabled displaced persons to return to their communities for farming and resettlement,” Kangye added.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Forest Sanity and Joint Task Force Sector Operations recorded significant gains across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, and Kebbi States.
Security forces stormed terrorist enclaves in Anka, Bakura, Tsafe, Shinkafi, Isa, and Wurno LGAs, rescuing 13 kidnapped victims and arresting 46 suspects, including a wanted terrorist kingpin, Ali Saidu, in Katsina.
“These operations led to the elimination of numerous bandits, recovery of weapons, and restoration of relative peace in previously troubled communities,” the military said.
In Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the FCT, troops of Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke conducted raids, repelled attacks, and responded to distress calls.
Within the review period, security forces neutralised several armed groups, arrested 18 suspects, and rescued six kidnapped victims in areas such as Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Ukum, and Gwer West.
Recovered items included rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles.
South-South: Troops Foil ₦20 Million Oil Theft, Dismantle Illegal Refineries
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified crackdowns on oil thieves and pipeline vandals.
They dismantled six illegal refining sites, destroyed 21 crude oil ovens, 9 dugout pits, 11 storage tanks, and seized over 13,175 litres of stolen crude oil and 7,230 litres of diesel worth over ₦20.8 million.
Troops also arrested eight oil thieves, while others were apprehended in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, with two kidnap victims rescued and several weapons recovered.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka troops sustained offensive actions in Anambra and Imo States, neutralising one terrorist, arresting four, and recovering firearms, vehicles, and IEDs.
“These operations are designed to deny criminal elements safe havens, dismantle their logistics bases, and protect citizens across all regions,” Kangye stated.
Major General Kangye commended the resilience of Nigerian troops and the continued support of citizens in providing intelligence that has been instrumental in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain resolute in restoring peace, unity, and stability across the nation,” he affirmed.