From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters(DHQ), said its operations against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities has yielded yet another positive result with the killing of a terrorists kingpin, known as Mai Dada during a counterattack in Maru local government area of Zamfara state and three others.
The operation also led to the rescue of five kidnapped persons, recovery of several arms ammunition, and arrest of several suspects.
Director Defence Media Operations Major General Markus Kangye, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja.
Gen. Kangye in the statement, said “In a well planned and executed operations across various theatres, the Armed Force of Nigeria in conjunction with other security agencies recoreded significant successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminal activities across the country, with the recovery of arms, ammunition, and arrest of several suspects between 25 and 26 June 2025.
He said “Troops of the Land Component of Operation HADIN KAI from 82 Divison Task Force Battalion supported by Air Component conducted fighting patrol in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA of Borno State and recovered 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm, and quantity 2 of 40mm RPG bombs along identified ISWAP/JAS withdrawal route. Similarly, troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade neutralized three terrorists during a raid in Bama LGA, recovering a Dane gun and destroying terrorist life support structures.
“In a related development, troops of Sector 3 in Monguno, Borno State, intercepted a vehicle conveying supplies suspected to be terrorist logistics supplies. One suspect was arrested, while items recovered from him included 65 litres of PMS, 4 bags of rice, 5 bags of groundnuts, 4 bags of NPK fertilizer, some tubers of yam, 7 motorcycle headlights, 10 solar lights, 2,000 empty cement bags, 4 solar panels and one mobile phone.
“In a related development in Kaduna State, troops of 2 Battalion on escort duty in Birnin Gwari recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition after engaging fleeing armed men on a motorcycle. Also, troops of 1 Brigade of Operation FASAN YAMA in Zamfara State neutralized a terrorist kingpin identified as Mai Dada during a counterattack in Maru LGA, while in Edo State, a criminal suspect at Etsako Central LGA was arrested with a pump-action gun and cutlasses.
“Relatedly, troops of JTF Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operation at TANGUR, KWAKAS, HOROP, TULUS, JINAK, and HOKK village in BOKKOS LGA of PLATEAU State. During the operation, troops exploited the mountainous areas in the communities with the aid of UAV/drone and recovered one Dane gun abandoned by the criminals on sighting troops.
“In the North Central Theatre, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed at JOOTER/KYADO responded to information on kidnappers’ activity along Road PEYKIA – WUKARI in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
Following a fire fight, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the bush. Troops rescued 5 passengers and recovered one vehicle. Similarly, Troops of 5 Battalion deployed at Otueke in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa, Cross River arrested 2 suspects in possession of 2 locally fabricated pistols and one round of 9 mm ammo.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to collaborate with other security agencies and remain undaunted in the determination to dismantle criminal networks and maintain peace across the nation.