By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In a continued effort to dismantle the network of insurgents, bandits, oil thieves the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) executed a series of intense operations across all theatres during the month of July 2025.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operation Major General Markus Kangye disclosed that the military remains fully engaged in tackling insurgency, banditry, oil theft, communal violence, and other forms of criminalities with the ultimate aim of restoring peace, protecting lives and property, and preserving the sovereignty of the nation.
He stated that the Armed Forces, under the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, is carrying out these operations in line with the directives of the Commander-in-Chief and in strict compliance with the rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, and respect for human rights.
According to him, within the month under review, troops operating in various theatres neutralised large numbers of terrorists, arrested 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements, and successfully rescued 134 kidnapped victims.
A significant milestone was also recorded as a terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, and 151 other terrorists, including their family members, surrendered to the Nigerian troops. Among those eliminated during the offensive operations were high-profile terrorist leaders Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar.
Major General Kangye also revealed that several notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the military’s watch list were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation.
These include Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi Ali Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (alias Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama, Isah Abdullahi, and Abdullahi Mohammed. Others arrested were a cultist identified as Prince Justin Ishimiri and an extremist kingpin, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, popularly known as Bajor.
Additionally, notable airstrike missions were conducted within the areas of responsibility of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger State and along the Zamfara-Kebbi State border axis.
In the South-South theatre under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops recorded a major success by foiling oil theft activities valued at over One Billion, Three Hundred and Twelve Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, Eighty-Five Naira (N1,312,575,085.00).
The breakdown of the seizure includes 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil, 269,257 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,759 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 3,447 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Troops also discovered and destroyed 126 crude oil cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, 39 boats, 83 storage tanks, 88 drums, 35 vehicles, and 73 illegal refining sites. During these operations, 285 oil thieves and other criminal suspects were arrested, while assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered.
Between 22 and 30 July 2025, in the North East theatre under Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained momentum against Boko Haram.
