Armed Forces Record Major Successes in Ongoing Operations, Rescue Dozens Across Theatres

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant breakthroughs in its ongoing military operations across the country, with troops neutralising terrorists, arresting criminal collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims, and foiling oil theft activities worth millions of naira.

In its weekly operational update for the period 3–11 September 2025, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said troops have continued to demonstrate courage and professionalism in tackling security threats across all theatres of operation. He added that collaboration with local communities has greatly enhanced intelligence gathering.

North East – Operation Hadin Kai

Troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Operations in Bama, Gwoza, Monguno, Marte, Chibok, Hong, Mubi, and Geidam LGAs led to the elimination of terrorists, arrest of 18 suspected accomplices, and rescue of five kidnapped victims.

On 3 September, troops escorting humanitarian trucks on the Gubio–Damasak Road engaged terrorists in a firefight, neutralising several insurgents and seizing weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles. Between 3–10 September, a further 23 collaborators, informants, and drug peddlers were arrested in Askira Uba, Ngala, Kukawa, and Magumeri LGAs, with logistics items and illicit drugs recovered.

North West – Operation FANSAN Yamma

Troops intensified operations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, and Katsina States, killing several terrorists through coordinated air and ground assaults. A total of 14 suspects were arrested while 28 kidnapped victims were freed.

Joint raids with the police and NDLEA in Kaduna metropolis led to the arrest of 34 suspects and the seizure of weapons, motorcycles, and illicit drugs. Troops also intercepted two suspects in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, with ₦15 million intended as ransom for kidnapped victims.

North Central – Operations Enduring Peace & Whirl Stroke

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace repelled terrorist attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, neutralising armed groups, arresting 16 suspects, and rescuing five kidnapped victims. A notorious extremist, Abdulrahman Bega, and four accomplices were also arrested between 4–6 September.

Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke troops recorded gains in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT, eliminating extremists and kidnappers, arresting 44 suspects, and rescuing three hostages. Arms, ammunition, vehicles, and mobile phones were seized.

South-South – Operation Delta Safe

Troops disrupted oil theft schemes worth over ₦11.3 million, seizing 9,760 litres of crude oil, 1,900 litres of kerosene, and destroying illegal refining sites, storage tanks, boats, and pits. Thirteen suspects were arrested.

Additionally, eight criminals were arrested in Delta and Bayelsa States, while a raid on a sea pirates’ camp in Rivers State led to the arrest of a wanted suspect. In Oshimili South, Delta State, two high-profile IPOB/ESN members identified as IED experts were captured.

South East – Operation UDO Ka

The Defence Headquarters noted improved security in the South East, attributing relative peace to the professional conduct of troops maintaining law and order in the region.

Commitment to Security

Major General Kangye assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will continue to operate within the law and respect human rights. He called on citizens to provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that “the AFN remains determined to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other criminalities to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.”