Folusho Alade, Abuja
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has recorded further successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminalities across various theatres of operations between 27 February and 6 March 2025, neutralizing 92 terrorists, arrested 111 suspects, and rescued 75 kidnapped victims.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye made this known while addressing defense correspondents on Thursday, 6th March, 2025 during the bi-weekly press briefing at the Defence Headquarters, in Abuja.
The DDMO disclosed that during the week under review the land component of the Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security agencies, and hybrid forces, conducted several offensive operations, including fighting patrols, raids, ambushes, and clearance operations across various regions.
Highlighting the military operations across the country, General Kangye disclosed that in the South-South region, troops foiled oil theft activities valued at ₦521.8 million, recovered 452,396 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 1,920 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI secured the surrender of 101 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, including 51 children and 39 women, while offensive operations in Borno and Yobe States resulted in the neutralization of over 25 terrorists and the arrest of 14 suspects.
According to him troops of Operation Fasan Yamma in the North-West neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 12 suspected kidnappers, and rescued 19 hostages in Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, and Katsina States.
Major General Kangye also highlighted that air interdiction missions carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma targeted terrorist camps, resulting in the destruction of several terrorist structures and equipment.
Hello said terrorists’ Commander Abba Alai including 92 members of his crew have been neutralised by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Also, troops recovered 117 assorted weapons including 58 AK47 rifles, 21 locally fabricated guns, 26 dane guns, 7 pump action guns, 4 PKT guns, 2 GPMGs, one QJC W85 gun, one HK 21 gun, one M60 MG, 11 RPG bombs, 2 RPG tubes and one fabricated 60mm mortar and 2,939 ammunition.
Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians while adhering to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations.
His words, “between 27 February – 6 March 2025, a total of 92 terrorists were neutralized while 111 suspected others were arrested.
“Between 25 February – 5 March 2025, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, conducted offensive operations including ambushes, fighting patrols and clearance operations in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, Kukawa and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. During the operations, over 25 terrorists were neutralized including a terrorists Commander Abba Alai (Amirul Khalid of Alafa).”
For instance, between 27 February – 6 March 2025, a total of 92 terrorists were neutralized while 111 suspected others were arrested.”
“Also, troops recovered 117 assorted weapons including 58 AK47 rifles, 21 locally fabricated guns, 26 dane guns, 7 pump action guns, 4 PKT guns, 2 GPMGs, one QJC W85 gun, one HK 21 gun, one M60 MG, 11 RPG bombs, 2 RPG tubes and one fabricated 60mm mortar and 2,939 ammunition.
“Others apprehended are gunrunners, oil theft collaborators and other violent extremists while the air component also, conducted several close air support, armed reconnaissance patrols as well as air interdiction missions.
All arrested suspects, rescued victims, and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action”, Major General Kangye concluded.
