The Nigerian military has arrested 450 terrorists and killed scores of bandits and criminal elements across the country during nationwide operations in September 2025. The troops also rescued 180 kidnapped civilians, the military disclosed on Saturday.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), said 39 terrorists voluntarily surrendered, while 63 assorted arms, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 explosive items, including grenades and IED-marking materials, were recovered.
He added that logistics and communication equipment such as motorcycles, vehicles, and hand-held radios used by terrorists were also seized.
“In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 41 illegal refining sites,” Kangye said. “They also foiled oil theft worth over N112.17 million, recovering 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of AGO, 1,900 litres of DPK, and 1,475 litres of PMS.”
Kangye further disclosed that troops recovered a large cache of weapons, including automatic rifles, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, and materials used to make improvised explosive devices.
In the Northeast, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted aggressive operations across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. The operations covered LGAs including Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, Kukawa, Madagali, Hong, Mubi South, and Gujba.
“During the encounters, scores of terrorists were eliminated, 21 collaborators arrested, and weapons and ammunition recovered,” Kangye said. “Troops also provided support for displaced persons and ensured safe resettlement and farming activities.”
In the Northwest, Operation Fasan Yamma troops carried out offensive operations across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Katsina States. A wanted terrorist, Ali Saidu, was arrested, while 46 terrorists were detained, several killed, and 13 kidnapped victims rescued.
Troops in the North Central region under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing some extremists, arresting 12, and rescuing four kidnapped victims. Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke troops killed criminals, arrested six suspects, and rescued two victims in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi States, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the Niger Delta theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over N20.85 million, destroyed illegal crude oil cooking ovens, dugout pits, storage tanks, boats, and arrested eight oil thieves. Additionally, 36 suspects were arrested, and two kidnapped victims rescued in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States.
In the South East, Operation Udoka troops conducted operations in Anambra and Imo States, killing one terrorist and arresting four, while recovering weapons, vehicles, and explosives.
“Our primary objectives were to disrupt enemy capabilities, secure key terrain, and support humanitarian efforts. Significant progress has been made, and operations remain ongoing,” Major General Kangye said.
He assured that the military would continue to operate with transparency, protect innocent lives, and collaborate with other security agencies and hybrid forces to restore peace and security nationwide.