The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have continued to record significant successes in ongoing military operations across the country, as troops intensified kinetic and non-kinetic engagements aimed at enhancing national security, protecting citizens, and safeguarding economic assets.
Covering the week of 16 to 23 October 2025, troops of the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, sustained aggressive operations against terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves in various parts of the country.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely and accurate information to the public about military operations, while ensuring the safety of personnel and civilians alike.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a weekly operational update with newsmen, disclosed that the troops recovered a large cache of weapons, including automatic rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, locally fabricated weapons, and materials used in making improvised explosive devices. Substantial quantities of ammunition, cartridges, and other logistics supplies were also seized.
During the period under review, coordinated ground and air operations in the North East led to the elimination of several Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists across Gwoza, Konduga, Monguno, Damboa, Kaga, Kukawa, Biu, Gubio, Abadam, and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as parts of Adamawa and Yobe States. Thirteen collaborators and informants were arrested, while three kidnapped victims were rescued. Several weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered, and terrorist hideouts were destroyed.
Similarly, in the North West, troops neutralized terrorists and rescued kidnapped victims in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. Eleven suspects were arrested, while fourteen victims regained their freedom. The troops also recovered arms, ammunition, livestock, and vehicles belonging to the insurgents.
In the North Central region, troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls and repelled terrorist attacks in several communities in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi States. Twenty-four suspects were arrested, three victims rescued, and several weapons and motorcycles recovered. A separate raid operation on the residence of a wanted extremist leader, identified as Alhaji Muhammed Sule (also known as MP), in Rawaya Village, Barkin Ladi LGA, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, six magazines, and 1,202 rounds of live ammunition. The suspect remains at large as troops intensify efforts to apprehend him.
In related operations under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops conducted raids across Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kogi States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. Several criminal elements were neutralized, sixteen suspects arrested, and three kidnap victims rescued. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and livestock were recovered from the operations.
In the South-South region, troops under Operation Delta Safe foiled attempts to steal crude oil worth ₦13,446,278. The operations led to the discovery and destruction of illegal refining sites, cooking ovens, storage tanks, boats, and dugout pits. A total of 12,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 840 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and 1,350 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene were recovered. Ten oil thieves and criminal collaborators were arrested during the operations in parts of Delta State, including Uvwie, Burutu, Warri South, and Ethiope East Local Government Areas.
Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained their offensive against criminal elements and separatist groups across Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States. Twelve members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group were arrested, three kidnapped victims were rescued, and several arms, ammunition, and vehicles were recovered.
The Defence Headquarters commended the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of the troops involved in the operations. It reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements freedom of action while ensuring peace and stability across Nigeria.
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