From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that the Nigerian Armed Forces, alongside hybrid forces and other security agencies, have escalated operations against terrorists, bandits, and criminals to create a safe environment for farmers.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that these efforts, conducted across all theatres, aim to ensure farmers can work freely during the rainy season, supporting President Bola Tinubu’s food security goals.
Kangye, in a statement, said the military, led by General Christopher Musa, remains uncompromising on national security and troop welfare. “As part of its mandate, the military launched several key operations with renewed vigour aimed at combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activities,” he noted.
From May 8 to May 15, troops dismantled several terrorist camps, rescued kidnapped victims, and supported civilian rehabilitation. Kangye praised the troops’ courage and the vital role of community intelligence. Troops neutralised numerous terrorists and arrested two wanted extremist informants, Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa, in Suleja and Borgu, Niger State, and an ammunition courier, Rufai Abdullahi, in Gwagwalada, FCT.
Recovered items included arms, ammunition, locally made guns, motorcycles, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, mobile phones, vehicles, and cash. In the North East, Operation Hadin Kai troops killed terrorists and rescued 17 victims in Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, and Damboa, Borno State, recovering arms, grenades, and magazines. In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops eliminated terrorists and rescued 129 victims across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe troops foiled oil theft worth over ₦103 million, recovering 68,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 2,250 litres of DPK. They destroyed 16 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, 79 drums, and 18 illegal refining sites and recovered additional equipment.