Military Neutralize 27 Terrorists, Arrests 62, rescued 44 Kidnapped Hostages

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

 

The Defence Headquarters says it's have troops neutralized 27 terrorists while 62 suspected others arrested, between January 30 and February 7, 2025.

The military also said troops apprehended 23 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 44 kidnapped hostages.

This was contained in a statement signed on Friday by the new Director of Defence Media Operations DMO,  Major General Markus Kangye in Abuja

According to him, within the week under review, troops conducted offensive operations such as raids, ambushes and fighting patrols. The operation led to the neutralization of several terrorists, apprehended their collaborators, rescued kidnapped victims and received surrendered terrorists. Gunrunners, oil theft collaborators and other violent extremists.

The Director DMO, also said in the South South, troops foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about Two Hundred and Ninety Two Million Six Hundred and Forty Four Thousand One Hundred Naira (N292,644,100.00) only. The breakdown includes: 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,100 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 220 crude oil cooking ovens, 23 dugout pits, 2 boats, 17 storage tanks, 7 drums and 24 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one pumping machine, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 2 vehicles among others.

"Meanwhile, troops recovered 61 weapons and 1,584 ammunitions which includes but not limited to the following: 26 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, 9 dane guns, 8 pump action guns, 346 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 53 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 920 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammo, 16 cartridges, 14 assorted arms and 20 assorted ammunition". He added.

He also said troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following successes during the week under review:

Surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. Between 30 January – 4 February 2025, a total of 9 terrorists comprising one adult males, 3 adult females and 5 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operation.

Offensive Operations. Between 28 January – 4 February 2025, troops in separate offensive operations made contacts with terrorists in Bama, Mafa, Gwoza, Konduga, Biu, Damboa, Kukawa and Chibok LGAs of Borno State. As well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State and Guyuk LGA of Adamawa State respectively. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 18 terrorists and rescued 31 kidnapped hostages.

 They also, recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 8 Dane Guns, one metal prototype pistol, one RPG propeller 4 wooden miniature guns, 2 prototype guns for training children, 4 RPG bombs one x 60 mm mor tube, 920 rounds of 12.7x108mm  ammo belted ammo, 109 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one empty case of 7.62 x 54 mm 5 magazines. Troops further recovered 4 motorcycles 6 terrorists flags, one baofeng HH radio, 5 bicycles  and 3 IED/IEDs making materials as  well as destroying one terrorists drone amongst others.

Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborator.  On 29 January – 2 February 2025, following credible reports, troops intercepted and arrested 11 terrorists collaborators including 4 Pakistani Nationals in Biu and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State respectively. One vehicle, 4 bicycles 3 mobile phones and the sum of ₦49,600.00) only with 500 NIGER CFA were recovered.

Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 11 and rescued 31 kidnapped hostages. Troops also, recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 8 Dane Guns, one metal prototype pistol, one RPG propeller 4 wooden miniature guns, 2 prototype guns for training children, 4 RPG bombs one x 60 mm mor tube, 920 rounds

of 12.7x108mm  ammo belted ammo, 109 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one empty case of 7.62 x 54 mm 5 magazines. Troops further recovered 4 motorcycles 6 terrorists flags, one baofeng HH radio, 3 mobile phones, 9 bicycles  and 3 IED/IEDs making materials as well as the sum of N49,600.00 only amongst others.

Troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA recorded the following during the week under review:

Offensive Operations.          

Between 28 January – 2 February 2025, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State and Shinkafi, Zurmi and Maradum LGAs of Zamfara State. Similar operations were conducted in Matazu and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 8 terrorists, arrested 3 and rescued 54 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 53 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines, 5 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

Terrorists Activities.On 3 February 2025, troops responded to information on activities of terrorists in Goronyo and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops arrested one terrorist and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered 2 motorcycles one mobile phone and the sum of ₦290,000.00 only.

Arrests Operation.  On 3 February 2025, based on credible information, troops intercepted and arrested 2 kidnappers in Kiru LGA of Kano State in connection with a kidnap case.

Overall, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized 8 terrorists arrested 6 and rescued 55 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 53 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones and the sum of ₦290,000.00 only among others.

In the week under review, troops successfully achieved the following in Operation  WHIRL PUNCH:

Offensive Operation.  On 30 January 20 25, following credible reports, troops raided and arrested 8 persons close relations to a wanted high profile kidnapper identified as Dogon Dawa in Kabba Bunu LGA of Kogi State.

Arrest Operations. On 2 Feb 25 following a tip-off, troops conducted operations to Uhunmwonde LGA of Edo State as well as Lokoja and Kabba Bunnu LGAs of Kogi State and arrested   5 criminals. Troops recovered 2 locally made Revolver Pistols one pistol with 3 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 46 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo 2 mobile phones, and the sum of ₦725,400 only.

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 13 violent extremists/criminals and recovered 2 locally made Revolver Pistols one pistol with 3 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 46 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo 2 mobile phones, and the sum of ₦725,400 only.

During the period, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted the following operations:

Offensive Ops.  On 29 January – February 2025, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Jos South, Wase and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kauru LGA of Kaduna State.  During the operations, troops neutralized 4 violent extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 32 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 4 magazines, one motorcycle, one mobile phones and the sum of ₦2,000.00 only.

Release of Kidnapped Victims.      On 2 February 2025, sequel to ongoing non-kinetic intervention by troops 9 kidnapped hostages were unconditionally released to troops in Wase LGA of Plateau State.

Arrests Operations.         

 Between 29 January – 4 February 2025, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 15 violents extremists/kidnnapers and criminals in Wase, Mangu, Riyom Barkin Lady and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. Troops recovered 2 fabricated rifles, one AK47 rifle, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 mobile phones and the sum of ₦258,200.00) only among others.

On 30 January and 3 February 2025, based on a tip off, troops intercepted and arrested 2 suspected gunrunners and an abandoned vehicle containing arms and ammo in Kauru and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, one K2 Daewoo Assault Rifle, one AK 47 magazine, one K2 magazine, 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammo and one vehicle.

Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 4, arrested 2 violent extremists and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 6 AK 47 Rifles, one K2 Daewoo Assault Rifle, 2 fabricated rifles, one K2 magazine, 104 rounds

of 7.62mm Special ammo and 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 5 magazines, 5 mobile phones and the sum of ₦260,200.00) only among others.

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the period under review:

Arrest Operations. On 28 January and 1 February 2025, following credible reports on activities violent extremists/kidnappers in Wukari LGA of Taraba State and Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State as well as Numan LGA of Adamawa State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 criminals and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

Arrest Operations. On 31 January and 2 February 2025,  troops responded to information on activities of violent extremists in Wamba and Logo LGAs of Nasarawa and Benue State respectively.  During the operations, troops arrested 4 criminals and recovered 15 cartridges and one cam trouser.

On 2 February 2025, troops while on fighting patrol, raided  violent extremist’s camp in Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops neutralized one violent extremist and arrested 23 suspects. Troops also recovered 4 AK 47 Rifles with 5 magazines containing 80 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 15 live cartridges, one pistol, 2 locally made guns, 28

cutlasses, 48 daggers and 11 motorcycles.

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized one violent extremist, arrested 30 and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 4 AK47 Rifles with 5 magazines containing 80 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one pistol, 2 locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 48 daggers and 11 motorcycles.

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Details as follows:

Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,100 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 220 crude oil cooking ovens, 23 dugout pits, 2 boats, 17 storage tanks, 7 drums and 24 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one pumping machines, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 2 vehicles among others.

Arrest.  From 28 – 31 January 2025, troops intercepted and arrested 7 criminals and rescued 2 victims in Onelga and Ahoada West LGAs of Rivers State and Biase LGA of Cross River State as well as Isoko South LGA of Delta State. Troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol with stolen pipes amongst others.

Offensive Ops. On 30 January 2025, following reports on activities of Drugs dealers in Obot Akara LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Troops raided and arrested 2 drugs dealers with over 20Kg of cannabis in Obot Akara LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,100 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 220 crude oil cooking ovens, 23 dugout pits, 2 boats, 17 storage tanks, 7 drums and 24 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one pumping machines, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 2 vehicles among others.

Troops apprehended 23 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 2 baofeng radios, 2 magazines, 2 assorted arms and 89 assorted ammunitions.

Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review:

Arrest.      

    

Between 29 January – 2 February 2025, troops intercepted and arrested 3 criminals in Emene LGA of Enugu State and Dunukofia LGA of Anambra State. As well as Okigwe LGA of Imo State. During the operations, troops recovered  explosive materials and a vehicle loaded with 29 gas cylinders.

Offensive Operations.       

  

Between 29 January – 4 February 2025, troops in separate offensive operation made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ihiala and Njokoka LGAs of Anambra State as well as Oniocha and Ishielu LGAs of Ebonyi State. Troops also conducted operation in Orsu and Onuimo LGAs of Imo State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped victims. Troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, 8 pump action guns, 4 locally made pistol, one dane gun, 101 cartridges, 6 empty mags of AK 47 Rifles, one baofeng radio, 2 motorcycles,  and IED making materials while many IEDs where detonated.

Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested 5 IPOB/ESN terrorists and rescued 4 hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, 8 pump action guns, 4 locally made pistol, one dan gun, 101 cartridges, 6 empty mags of AK 47 Rifles, one baofeng radio, 2 motorcycles,  and IED making materials while many IEDs where detonated.

Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.