ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian military has reported major breakthroughs in its nationwide operations against terrorism and banditry for September 2025, rescuing 180 kidnapped civilians, arresting 450 suspected terrorists and bandits, and neutralizing several others in various encounters across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that 39 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to troops during the period.
According to Kangye, troops also recovered 63 assorted weapons, 4,475 rounds of ammunition and 294 explosive items, including grenades and materials used in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
He said several vehicles, motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other logistics used by terrorists were also seized.
“Our troops across all theatres have intensified efforts to combat insecurity and deny terrorists and bandits freedom of action,” Kangye stated.
Kangye said the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), sustained intense operations from 23 to 30 September 2025, targeting Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
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“Ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component, Hybrid Forces, and local security groups, conducted aggressive operations that eliminated several terrorists, dismantled logistics networks, and supported the safe resettlement of displaced persons,” he said.
Troops carried out operations in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State; Madagali, Hong, and Mubi South in Adamawa; and Gujba in Yobe.
During these operations, 21 terrorist collaborators, informants, and sympathizers were arrested. Various arms, ammunition, IED materials, and vehicles were recovered and are now in military custody for investigation.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) maintained a high operational tempo, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
Between 23 and 30 September 2025, troops launched coordinated offensives in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Anka, Bakura, Maradun, Isa, Sabon Birni, Gwarzo, and Kontagora LGAs.
A wanted terrorist, identified as Ali Saidu, was captured in Katsina State, while 46 others were arrested and 13 kidnapped victims rescued. Kangye confirmed that the suspects are undergoing interrogation.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke conducted simultaneous offensives in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In Plateau State, troops responded to distress calls from Wase, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Jos East, killing several extremists, arresting 12 suspects and rescuing four hostages.
In Benue and Taraba States, operations were carried out in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gwer West, and Takum LGAs, leading to the death of armed criminals and the arrest of six others, while two kidnapped victims were rescued.
The Operation Delta Safe theatre recorded significant results, foiling oil theft worth over N20,855,660.
Troops seized 13,175 litres of stolen crude oil, 7,230 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites 9 dugout pits 11 storage tanks and 7 boats.
“Eight oil thieves were arrested, and assorted arms and ammunition were recovered,” Kangye said.
Troops also arrested 36 suspects and rescued two kidnapped victims during operations in Bomadi, Ethiope West, and Warri South LGAs of Delta State, as well as Yenagoa and Port Harcourt in Bayelsa and Rivers States.
In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained offensive actions from 25 to 30 September 2025 in Ihiala and Orumba South LGAs of Anambra State and Okigwe LGA of Imo State.
“During the encounters, one terrorist was killed in action, while four others were arrested. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and IEDs were also recovered,” the military spokesman confirmed.
Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that troops across all regions remain committed to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of citizens, calling for continued public cooperation and intelligence sharing.