The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday said troops deployed to different theatres of operations across the country eliminated several terrorists’ kingpins and their foot soldiers in the second quarter of (April to June ) 2025.
The military high command also said troops arrested over 1,191 terrorists and rescued 543 kidnapped victims across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja.
According to him, among the terrorists’ kingpins eliminated were dreaded Amir Abu Fatimah, kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze otherwise known as Onowu.
“Just two days ago, bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo succumb to injuries sustained during an encounter with troops the previous week where many of his lieutenants were also eliminated.
“Additionally some notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the troops’ watch list were arrested and taking into custody for interrogation.
“They include Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Adamu, Ismaila Hassan, Michael and Shittu Muazu.
“Our troops killed several terrorists’ kingpins and their foot soldiers, arrested over 1,191 of them and rescued 543 kidnapped victims,” he said.
Kangye said the military had sustained operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements who pose serious threat to national security and socio-economic activities.
Speaking further, the defence spokesperson also said during the quarter over 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops.
Speaking, he disclosed that during offensive operations conducted in Gwoza, Bama, Chibok and Ngala LGAs of Borno state as well as Gujba and Madagali LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa states from 27 June – 2 July, troops killed some terrorists, while 32 of them were arrested.
“They also recovered some quantities of arms and ammunition as well as RPG bombs, IEDs and IED making materials,” he said.
Speaking on fight against oil theft, Kangye said the troops of Operation Delta Safe operating in the Niger Delta foiled oil theft worth over N3.5 billion.
According to him, the breakdown indicates: 2.38 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO, 41,465 litres of DPK and 26,905 litres of PMS were recovered.
“Troops recovered 344,749 litres of stolen crude oil and 162,681 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 52 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 11 boats, 36 storage tanks, 36 drums and 25 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 6 vehicles. Furthermore, 12 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives, were also recovered,” he said.