The Nigerian military says troops across various theatres of operation rescued 180 kidnapped civilians, arrested 450 terrorists and bandits, and neutralized several others during counter-insurgency and anti-crime operations in September 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in Abuja on Saturday while giving a monthly operational update.
Kangye said troops also recovered 63 assorted weapons, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 explosive items, including grenades and improvised explosive device (IED) materials. In addition, 39 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to the military within the period under review.
According to him, security forces also recovered logistics and communication equipment such as hand-held radios, motorcycles, vehicles, and other materials used for terrorist activities.
He added that in the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 41 illegal refining sites and foiled oil theft worth over ₦112.17 million. The troops recovered 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of diesel (AGO), 1,900 litres of kerosene (DPK), and 1,475 litres of petrol (PMS).
Across the country, Kangye said troops sustained both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to deny terrorist and criminal groups freedom of action. In the Northeast, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, engaging Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in multiple encounters. Between September 23 and 30, troops conducted coordinated ground and air strikes in Konduga, Gwoza, Monguno, Damboa, Mubi, and other locations, killing several terrorists and destroying their camps.
Twenty-one terrorist collaborators and informants were arrested, while arms, ammunition, and vehicles were seized. Kangye said the operations enabled the safe return of displaced persons and resumption of farming activities in several communities.
In the Northwest, troops of Operation Fasan Yamma conducted clearance operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States. Several terrorists were neutralised, 46 were arrested, and 13 kidnapped victims were rescued. A wanted terrorist identified as Ali Saidu was captured during one of the raids in Katsina State.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke carried out operations in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory. Twelve suspects were arrested, four kidnapped victims rescued, and several extremists killed. Weapons, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered during the engagements in Wase, Barkin Ladi, Jos East, and other flashpoints.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, nine dugout pits, seven boats, 11 storage tanks, and six illegal refining sites. Eight suspected oil thieves were arrested, and petroleum products valued at over ₦20.85 million were seized. In Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, 36 suspects were arrested, and two kidnapped victims were rescued.
In the Southeast, troops of Operation Udoka conducted raids in Ihiala and Orumba South LGAs of Anambra State, and Okigwe LGA of Imo State, killing one terrorist and arresting four others. Weapons, vehicles, and IEDs were also recovered.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining peace and stability nationwide. He said the primary objectives of the operations are to disrupt enemy capabilities, secure key terrain, and support humanitarian efforts.
“Our commanders on the ground continue to assess the situation to ensure stability and prevent further escalation,” he stated. “We remain fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the lawful execution of all missions in accordance with international and domestic rules of engagement. As always, the safety of our personnel and the protection of innocent lives are top priorities.”
