Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded significant operational successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality across the country, including the elimination of a notorious terror leader and the arrest of hundreds of criminal elements.
Speaking during a press briefing held today, 8 May 2025, at the New Conference Room of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that troops neutralised scores of terrorists in April, notably including Nkwachi Eze, also known as Onowu, a high-profile terrorists leader responsible for coordinating multiple kidnappings and attacks in the SouthEast region of the country.
“Our troops neutralised Eze, a most wanted terrorist figure, marking a major victory in our ongoing operations to restore peace in the region,” Kangye stated.
In a separate breakthrough, troops apprehended Buhari Umar, a suspected arms dealer and head of a kidnapping syndicate operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, and Kaduna States. Also arrested were five members of a kidnap gang in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State: Hassan Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Idi Yusuf, Adamu Danmai, and Hassan Bello.
Related Articles:
- Troops neutralize suspected bandit in Taraba operation
- Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue six victims in Taraba
- Army chief tasks troops on selflessness
Overall, troops apprehended no fewer than 430 perpetrators, including terrorists, oil thieves, and other criminal suspects.
In addition, General Kangye stated that 173 kidnapped hostages were rescued by troops operating in different formations across the country, while over 204 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendered to military forces.
While stating further achievements in the month of April, General Kangye revealed that “troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil thefts worth over ₦1.9 billion”, seizing more than one million litres of stolen crude oil and destroying 95 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.
In the North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, forces arrested 29 terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered various weapons and ₦739,000 in cash.
Similarly, troops under Operation FASAN YAMMA in the North West rescued several kidnapped victims and seized arms, vehicles, and livestock in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States.
Operations in the North Central region under Operation SAFE HAVEN and WHIRL STROKE also led to multiple arrests, recovery of illegal arms, and the rescue of additional hostages.
The South East was not left out, as Operation UDO KA forces neutralised terrorists in Imo, Anambra, and Enugu States, recovering arms and improvised explosive device materials.
Reaffirming the military’s dedication, General Kangye said, “Our troops remain committed to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and will continue to operate within the rule of law while respecting human rights.”
He urged citizens to go about their daily activities without fear and encouraged the continued sharing of credible information with security agencies to aid operations.
