From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops engaged in the counter-terrorism war and other security operations across the country killed scores of terrorists, arrested 1,191 others, including kingpins, and rescued 543 hostages in the last three months.
The troops also recovered several arms and ammunition, discovered and destroyed about 174 illegal refining sites, while 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops at various theatres of operation.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, who made this known at a briefing on military operations conducted between April and June 2025, said troops eliminated several terrorist leaders such as Amir Abu Fatimah, Kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, and Maiwada.
“Our troops killed several terrorists’ kingpins and their foot soldiers, arrested over 1,191 of them and rescued 543 kidnapped victims. During the quarter, about 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops.
“Among the terrorists eliminated were dreaded Amir Abu Fatimah, Kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, otherwise known as Onowu,” he said.
Gen. Kangye said that just two days ago, bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with troops the previous week where many of his lieutenants were also eliminated.
He further stated that some notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the troops’ watch list have been arrested and are currently in custody undergoing interrogation.
He listed some of the suspects being interrogated to include Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Ilu Adamu, Ismaila Ilu Hassan, Michael, and Shittu Muazu Bakassi.
On the fight against crude oil theft and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta, Kangye said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered stolen products worth N3,500,435,234.00, including 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO, 41,465 litres of DPK, and 26,905 litres of PMS.
He said troops also discovered and destroyed about 174 illegal refining sites, while 45 vehicles were seized from the suspects.
Other items recovered by the troops include automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices which were prepared by the terrorists and ready for detonation. He also said troops recovered some caches of assorted ammunition from the sites.