The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops across the country arrested about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals, while 39 others surrendered and 180 civilians were rescued in various operations conducted in the month of September 2025.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement.
He provided updates on recent military operations conducted under JTF North-East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), JTF North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), JTF North-Central Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), JTF South-South Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS) and JTF South-East Operation UDO KA (OPUK).
Kangye said the operations were initiated in direct response to escalating threats, hostile actions, and in support of allied forces.
He added that they were executed with precision, coordination, and a firm commitment to minimizing risk to both troops and civilians.
According to him, troops recovered 63 arms, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 items, including grenades, IED-making materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles, and other logistics used in perpetrating crimes.
In the South-South, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 41 illegal refining sites and foiled oil theft valued at ₦112,175,220, representing 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of AGO, 1,900 litres of DPK, and 1,475 litres of PMS.
*Operation HADIN KAI (North-East)
Troops sustained momentum against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, eliminating several insurgents and their logistics suppliers. Operations were conducted in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, Kukawa, Madagali, Hong, and Mubi South, among others.
Between 23 and 30 September, troops also arrested 21 terrorist collaborators, informants, and sympathizers and recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and vehicles.
*Operation FANSAN YAMMA (North-West)
In the North-West, troops maintained offensive pressure in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States. During the operations, several terrorists were neutralized, 46 suspects were arrested, and 13 kidnapped victims rescued.
A wanted terrorist kingpin, identified as Ali Saidu, was also apprehended in Katsina State.
*Operation ENDURING PEACE (North-Central)
Troops conducted clearance operations in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing several extremists, arresting 12 suspects, and rescuing 4 kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were also seized.
*Operation WHIRL STROKE
In Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the FCT, troops killed several armed criminals, arrested 6 suspects, and rescued 2 victims.
Operation DELTA SAFE (South-South)
Troops destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 7 boats, 11 storage tanks, and 6 illegal refining sites across Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States. They also arrested 8 oil thieves and recovered assorted arms, ammunition, and stolen petroleum products.
In related operations, 36 suspects were arrested and 2 kidnapped victims rescued in Bomadi, Ethiope West, and Warri South LGAs of Delta, as well as Yenagoa and Port Harcourt.
*Operation UDO KA (South-East)
Troops sustained offensive operations in Ihiala and Orumba South LGAs of Anambra State and Okigwe LGA of Imo State, where one terrorist was killed and four others arrested. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices were recovered.
*Troops committed to sustaining peace
Major General Kangye reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to ensuring national stability.
“Our gallant troops, in conjunction with other security agencies and hybrid forces, will continue to work together to restore peace and security across all troubled parts of the country,” he said.
