Military Intensifies Nationwide Offensives, Records Major Gains in Fight Against Insecurity

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant breakthroughs in its ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-crime campaigns across various parts of the country.

In a statement released on Saturday, May 17, 2025, by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, the DHQ disclosed that troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces and other security agencies, conducted coordinated operations from May 8 to May 15 that led to the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of weapons.

“These operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of our people and the restoration of peace in affected regions,” Kangye noted.

During the operations, troops destroyed several terrorist hideouts and rescued multiple hostages. In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai forces raided strongholds in Borno State — including Gwoza, Damboa, Dikwa, and Mafa — resulting in the death of several insurgents and the rescue of 17 kidnap victims. Recovered items included grenades, extra magazines, and assorted ammunition.

In the North-West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops neutralised a number of terrorists and rescued 129 hostages across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

Meanwhile, in Niger State, two identified terrorist collaborators — Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa — were arrested in Suleja and Borgu Local Government Areas, while an arms courier, Rufai Abdullahi, was intercepted in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

Recovered items across these operations included arms, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, tricycles, and locally fabricated weapons. The military also recovered pumping and drilling machines allegedly used in illegal activities.

In the South-South, troops under Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft operations estimated to be worth over ₦103 million. The team destroyed 18 illegal refining sites and seized over 68,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined diesel, and over 2,000 litres of kerosene.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and security across Nigeria and emphasized that the armed forces will continue to act on the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create a safer environment for citizens and lawful businesses.

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