Troops Kill Terrorists, Rescue 46 Hostages, Foil ₦25m Oil Theft – Official
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced fresh gains in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities across the country, with troops neutralising scores of terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering arms and ammunition in different theatres of operation.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who briefed journalists on Friday in Abuja, said the operations for the week ending August 22, 2025, reflect the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring peace and security nationwide.
He explained that joint ground and air operations conducted with security agencies and hybrid forces dismantled criminal hideouts, intercepted weapons, and foiled several attacks, while also providing safe access for farmers to their fields.
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In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai maintained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists across Borno and Yobe states.
Between August 14 and 21, troops killed several terrorists, arrested nine collaborators and rescued three kidnapped victims in Monguno, Kukawa, Gwoza, Chibok, Damaturu and other locations. Weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, IEDs and cash were also recovered.
In the North West, troops of Operation Fansasn Yamma carried out offensive raids in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger states.
At least 14 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 11 suspected terrorists were arrested during operations in Shangah, Tangaza and Maradun.
In all, troops rescued 46 hostages and eliminated several armed men.
Troops under Operation Safe Haven engaged armed groups in Plateau and Kaduna states, killing terrorists, arresting two criminals and rescuing five victims.
Notorious criminal Adamu Buba (aka Mai Pankshin) and 13 others were arrested, with arms and motorcycles recovered.
Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised terrorists in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi and parts of the FCT, arresting seven suspects and rescuing five victims.
In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over ₦25 million, destroyed illegal refining sites, and arrested 33 suspected oil thieves.
Troops also killed three kidnappers in Delta State during a ransom collection attempt, recovering ₦2.3 million, arms and ammunition.
Troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained offensives against IPOB/ESN elements in Imo, Abia and Anambra states, killing some fighters and arresting eight suspects.
In a joint operation with NAPTIP, security operatives raided an orphanage in Owerri West LGA, rescuing nine pregnant women, seven infants and four children.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with security agencies, will continue to sustain operations until peace and stability are restored nationwide.
