By Augustine Ehikioya
Unveiling a weekly report ended 13th June 2025, of its military operations nationwide, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has disclosed how it foiled oil theft in the South-South, and increased the tempo against terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes in other parts of the country.
The report was read by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye. It was covered by Security Watch Africa (SWA).
He reiterated the resolve of AFN to protect the lives and property of all citizens, uphold the rule of law, and foster a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians
During the period, he disclosed that the Nigerian troops across all theatres of operations demonstrated uncommon bravery and professionalism.
The troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, he said, foiled oil theft worth over N146,614,380.00.
Giving a further breakdown, Major General Kangye said that 142,960 litres of stolen crude oil, 39,175 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 29,500 litres of DPK were uncovered.
He said they further discovered and destroyed 73 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 19 boats, 51 storage tanks, 28 drums, and 21 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered, according to him, included outbound engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, horses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 12 vehicles.
He added “Additionally, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices. Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.”
On the North East, he said, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, during the week, also recorded many successes.
According to him, they included “Surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. From 6 – 11 June 2025, scores of terrorists comprising adult males and females as well as children surrendered to troops as operational tempo heightened during the week.
“Offensive Operations. Between 6 – 10 June 2025, troops, in conjunction with security agencies and hybrid forces, conducted offensive operations in Gwoza, Ngala and Marte LGAs of Borno State as well as Bade and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State. During the operations, some terrorists were eliminated while one drug peddler was arrested. Also, 3 kidnapped victims were rescued.
“The troops also recovered arms and ammunition as well as IEDs/IED-making materials, motorcycles, and vehicles amongst others. Terrorists’ camps and equipment were burnt.
“Arrest of Terrorist Collaborators. Troops arrested 5 terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators and a Chinese national claiming to be a miner during well-coordinated operations conducted in Kukawa and Ngala LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam LGA of Yobe State between 5 – 7 June 2025.
“Amongst the items recovered were a vehicle, motorcycle, mobile phones, and a Chinese International passport, while the sum of N10,000.00 was also recovered from them.
“Terrorists Activities. Troops responded to information about terrorists’ activities in Gwoza and Abadam LGAs of Borno State as well as Nangere LGA of Yobe State from 6 – 9 June 2025. During the encounters, troops killed some terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped victims.
“Some weapons and ammunitions were recovered from them. Their camp and equipment were burnt,” he stated.
On the North West, he said, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA carried out offensive Operations.
“Between 6 – 11 June 2025, troops made contact with terrorists during fighting patrols conducted in Shinkafi, Maru, Tsafe and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Tangaza, and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State. They also conducted operations in Dan-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.
“During the encounters, some terrorists were killed. Also, 2 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some weapons, as well as assorted ammunition and motorcycles, were also recovered.
“Terrorists Activities. Troops responded to information about terrorists’ activities in Malumfashi, Sabuwa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State as well as Tangaza, Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State.
“They also conducted operations in Kaduna North and Danko-Wasagu LGAs of Kaduna and Kebbi States from 6 – 11 June 2025. During the encounters, troops killed some terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped victims.
Concerning Operation SAFE HAVEN in the North Central, he said, the troops from 5 – 10 June 2025, while conducting offensive operations, made contact with extremists in Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
During the encounters, he said, the gallant troops killed some extremists, arrested 3 and rescued one kidnapped victim.
“From 8 June 2025, troops acting on a tip-off arrested one suspected cattle rustler in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. The recovered rustled cattle were handed over to the owner while the criminal was handed over to the Police for further investigation.
“Troops, while on anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations, responded to credible intelligence about criminal activities in Bassa, Mangu, Jos North, Riyom, Jos South and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State between 6 – 9 June 2025.
“During the operations, some extremists were killed, while 4 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some arms and ammunition as well as motorcycles and livestock were also recovered from them.
Also in the North Central, he said Operation WHIRL Stroke, on 9 June 2025, troops while conducting an offensive operation, made contact with an extremist who engaged troops but was neutralized in Wamba LGA of Nasarawa State.
“A rifle and ammunition, one magazine as well as mobile phone were recovered from him.
“Troops responded to information about terrorists’ activities in Gwer West and Nasarawa LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa State as well as Bali LGA of Taraba State from 6 – 8 June 2025.
“During the encounters, troops arrested 2 of them, while one kidnapped victim was rescued.
On the arrest made, he said, troops acted on a tip-off, and arrested 3 criminals in Ukum and Keana LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States on 7 and 8 June 2025 respectively.
Arms, ammunition, extra magazines and mobile phones, according to him, were recovered from them.
“Between 30 May – 3 June 2025, troops, while on anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations, responded to information about criminal activities in Baruten and Gwer East LGAs of Kwara and Benue State.
“During the operations, 2 criminals were arrested, while a kidnapped victim was rescued. They recovered some weapons and ammunition as well as mobile phones and motorcycles from them,” he stated
Speaking further on the South-South, he said, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta during the week under review:
“Destruction of Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 121,035 litres of stolen crude oil, 19,650 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 7,140 litres of DPK. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 25 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 19 boats, 40 storage tanks, 28 drums, and 21 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include outbound engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, horses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 9 vehicles. Furthermore, 23 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Between 7 and 8 June 2025, troops, while on anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations, responded to information about criminal activities in Okigwe and Aniocha LGAs of Imo and Delta States. During the operations, 2 criminals were arrested, while a kidnapped victim was rescued. They recovered some weapons and ammunition as well as mobile phones and motorcycles from them.
“Similarly, Between 6- 10 June 2025 troops, acting on a tip-off arrested 9 suspected vandals/criminals in Okirika, Etche and Akuku-Toru LGAs of Rivers as well as Ogbia, and Aniocha North LGAs of Bayelsa and Delta State respectively.”
In South East, Major General Kangye disclosed that troops of Operation UDO KA have sustained offensive operations during the period under review.
“From 8- 10 June 2025, troops while conducting offensive operations, made contact with extremist Aguta and Effium Ohaukwu LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. During the encounters, one extremist was killed, while 2 were arrested. Some weapons and ammunition, as well as vehicles were recovered from him.
“Similarly, Between 6 – 9 June 2025 troops, acting on a tip-off arrested 8 suspected extremists in Isuikwuato and Aguta LGAs of Abia and Anambra State respectively. They recovered weapons and ammunition as well as a stolen vehicle and a laptop computer,” he stated
By engaging with the populace and soliciting their support in addition to non-kinetic lines of operation, he said the AFN reinforces the collective efforts required to safeguard national interests and preserve the peace that defines Nigeria.
Concluding, he said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are unwavering in their commitment to the ongoing mission of safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation and ensuring peace and stability across all regions.
“This dedication is exemplified by the tireless efforts of our personnel who work tirelessly day and night to protect our borders and maintain security.
“Their resilience in the face of challenges is truly commendable and serves as a testament to their unwavering loyalty to the nation.”
Commending the vital role that the public plays in supporting the Armed Forces, he said, the cooperation and support of citizens are essential in the collective efforts to overcome any obstacles that may arise.
“By standing united and working together, we can effectively address any threats to our national security and build a safer, more prosperous Nigeria for generations to come,” he stated.