The Nigerian Military have neutralized dozens of terrorists and arrested 578 suspected insurgents, oil thieves, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in various theaters of operation across the country in July 2025.
This was disclosed over the weekend by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Markus Kangye, while providing a breakdown of key achievements during a monthly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Kangye, troops conducted multiple land, air, and maritime operations under Operation Hadin Kai, Hadarin Daji, Safe Haven, Whirl Stroke, and Delta Safe, among others, with significant outcomes recorded in the fight against terrorism, oil theft, banditry, and violent extremism.
“In the month of July 2025, troops neutralised several terrorists across the country, and arrested no fewer than 578 criminal suspects.
Also, 134 kidnapped hostages were rescued, while large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered,” he said.
In the North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, troops reportedly killed over 60 terrorists and captured key ISWAP and Boko Haram commanders.
Notably, airstrikes in the Timbuktu Triangle neutralized terrorist leaders and destroyed several hideouts.
A total of 142 suspected terrorists were apprehended in the region, and 34 AK-47 rifles, 6 PKT machine guns, 379 rounds of ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered.
Under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Whirl Punch, troops engaged in fierce battles with armed bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto States.
Several bandit camps were raided, and more than 170 criminal suspects, including arms couriers and informants, were arrested.
One of the key operations, according to Buba, involved the neutralisation of bandit kingpin Alhaji Bako, and his gang in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara.
In the North-Central theatre, under Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke, troops rescued over 55 kidnap victims, killed several militia elements, and arrested cultists and cattle rustlers.
Over 120 assorted weapons were recovered from criminal elements.
In the Niger-Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe dismantled 73 illegal refineries, intercepted 60 wooden boats used for crude oil transportation, and arrested 285 suspected oil thieves.
The military also recovered over 3.7 million litres of stolen crude oil valued at over ₦1.3 billion.
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed that terrorist commander Ibn Ali and 151 members of his family surrendered to troops in Mafa, Borno State.
Preliminary investigations indicate Ali was a top logistics commander for ISWAP.
Buba said those who surrendered are undergoing profiling for possible reintegration under the federal government’s deradicalisation programme.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its resolve to sustain momentum and urged Nigerians to support security forces with credible intelligence.
