DHQ Neutralizes Over 75 Terrorists, Rescue 46 Kidnapped Victims

The Military High Command says its troops have recorded significant successes in ongoing operations across the country, neutralizing over 75 terrorists, arresting 138 suspected criminals, and rescuing 46 kidnapped victims between January 3 and February 13, 2025.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who stated this while addressing newsmen in Abuja said the military conducted various joint operations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security agencies, and hybrid forces.

According to him, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno and Yobe states, neutralizing 22 terrorists, arresting 13 suspects, and rescuing 34 kidnapped victims, while recovering a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.

He explained that troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA in the Northwest achieved notable successes in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, with a major breakthrough occurring when a notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhada Muhammadu (also known as “Yellow”), was arrested along with four accomplices.

General Kangye further stated that troops of Operations WHIRL PUNCH, SAFE HAVEN, and WHIRL STROKE in the North Central region disrupted criminal activities in Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

They also raided an illegal mining site in Nasarawa, arresting 51 suspects and recovering two trucks, 20 motorcycles, and a large quantity of precious stones.

The Director, Defence Media Operations said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta region, in their fight against oil theft, foiled illegal activities worth over ₦646 million, recovered 497,152 liters of stolen crude oil, 142,000 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 4,075 liters of petrol.

He highlighted that troops of Operation UDO KA in the Southeast engaged IPOB/ESN operatives in Imo and Ebonyi states, rescuing four kidnapped victims and recovering firearms, explosive devices, and communication gadgets and seized a large cache of weapons.

Major General Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security, stating that all arrested suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji