Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with hybrid forces and other security agencies, conducted intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations across various theatres of conflict between June 30 and July 10, 2025, reporting “resounding outcomes.” During this period, scores of terrorists, bandits, and IPOB/ESN criminals were killed, several were arrested, and some surrendered to troops due to superior firepower.
According to a weekly report released by Major General Markus Kangye, Director Defence Media Operations, the operations also led to the foiling of significant oil theft, the destruction of illegal refining sites, and the recovery of substantial amounts of stolen crude and refined products.
Operations Across Regions
In Operation Delta Safe, troops thwarted oil theft estimated at over N263.8 million (approximately £140,000). This included the recovery of 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined AGO (diesel), and 947 litres of PMS (petrol). Troops also discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, and 15 illegal refining sites, while arresting 8 oil thieves and other criminals.
In the North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, kinetic operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were intensified in areas including Platari, Sambisa Forest, and the Timbuktu Triangle, leading to the elimination of numerous terrorists. A significant number of terrorists, including adults and children, surrendered. Operations in Borno and Adamawa states resulted in additional terrorists killed, the arrest of 5 collaborators, the rescue of 4 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms and ammunition. A high-profile terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, surrendered in Bama LGA of Borno State.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma saw the Air Component, in conjunction with ground forces, conduct a major offensive on July 10, 2025, eliminating scores of terrorist leaders and commanders in Zamfara State. Troops on routine patrol made contact with terrorists in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states, eliminating some, arresting 5, and rescuing 2 kidnapped victims.
Operation Safe Haven in the North Central region (Plateau and Kaduna states) resulted in the killing of some extremists, the arrest of 18, and the rescue of 7 kidnapped victims between June 30 and July 8, 2025. An arrested militia member was found with a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Operation Whirl Stroke, also in the North Central, eliminated some extremists in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, as well as the FCT. Eight arrests were made, including an extremist kingpin, and 2 kidnapped victims were rescued.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka sustained offensive operations. Investigations following the arrest of a POS vendor led to the arrest of a sponsor and logistics supplier to the Mother Valley IPOB/ESN Camp in Anambra State, from whom POS machines, mobile phones, and N250,600.00 were recovered. Four suspected IPOB/ESN members/informants were also arrested.
Major General Kangye affirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring citizen safety, stating that operations are yielding tangible results and strategies continue to evolve. He acknowledged the support of Nigerians and collaboration with other security agencies and international partners in the fight against criminality, urging continued vigilance.
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