By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant operational successes by Nigerian troops, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, across multiple theatres of operation between 7 and 14 August 2025.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, the sustained offensive has further weakened terrorist networks, disrupted banditry, and ensured that farmers continue their activities unhindered across the country. The operations, which involved raids, ambushes, fighting patrols, and covert missions, were supported by intensive air reconnaissance and interdiction missions that neutralized Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements and destroyed their camps.
Troops in the North-East, supported by air and local forces, conducted aggressive operations in parts of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, eliminating dozens of terrorists, arresting 37 suspects, and rescuing five kidnapped victims. Weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and safely disposed of.
In Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, troops killed several terrorists, arrested 11, and rescued 17 kidnapped victims. The operations also disrupted terror cells in Chikun, Birnin Gwari, and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State, as well as in Tangaza and Tureta LGAs of Sokoto State.
In Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT, troops repelled attacks, killed armed criminals, and rescued multiple kidnap victims. Notably, a gunrunner was intercepted in Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State with an AK-47 concealed in a sack of animal feed. In Kogi State, two notorious gunrunners were arrested, while a large cache of ammunition was recovered from an abandoned extremist camp in Taraba State.
Troops in South-South foiled oil theft valued at over ₦37.5 million, destroying illegal refining sites, boats, storage tanks, and dugout pits. They also arrested 29 suspects, including oil thieves, cultists, and kidnappers, across Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States, recovering weapons, explosives, and vehicles.
In Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, troops sustained pressure on criminal elements, killing several, arresting six suspected IPOB/ESN members and a kidnapper, and recovering weapons and vehicles.
The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum, assuring Nigerians that joint forces will continue to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace nationwide.
