The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the Armed Forces of Nigeria was collaborating closely with local and international partners to enhance intelligence-sharing and operational effectiveness for the protection of the nation.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye stated this on Saturday in response to series of attacks on communities and military formations through which some lives have been lost across the country.
Maj.-Gen. Kangye also revealed that a total of 146 hostages were rescued while troops arrested 28 terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements during the week.
He stressed that in conjunction with hybrid forces and other security agencies, the Nigerian troops intensified operations across all theatres nationwide.
According to Kangye, the military has remained committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and prioritising the welfare of its personnel, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
“Troops of AFN in conjunction with hybrid forces and other security agencies have sustained offensive operations in all theatres across the country.
“The AFN under the leadership of Gen CG Musa is not negotiating issues of national security and welfare of its personnel as the troops remain resolute and ever determined to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity, national interest and protect citizens from all forms of threats.
“We are collaborating closely with local and international partners to enhance intelligence-sharing and operational effectiveness.
“The cooperation of local communities has also been invaluable in our intelligence-gathering efforts,” Kangye stated.
Highlighting the successes of the troops during the week, he revealed that numerous terrorists were neutralised and significant arrests made in Suleja and Borgu local government areas of Niger State.
The Director listed two wanted extremist informants and logistics suppliers identified as Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa, along with an ammunition courier, Rufai Abdullahi, among those apprehended in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Troops also recovered items including arms and ammunition, monies, locally fabricated guns as well as motorcycles as well as pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, mobile phones and vehicles during the period.
In the South-South geopolitical zone, Kangye said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft amounting to over N103 million.
“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over N103, 909,422.00 only during the week. The breakdown indicates: 68,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,250 litres of DPK.
“Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 16 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, 79 drums and 18 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 7 vehicles,” Kangye said.
In the South-East, he said troops on anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations responded to intelligence on criminal activities between May 8 and 11 in Ihiala and Oyi LGAs of Anambra State, and Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.
“From 8 – 11 May 2025, troops while on anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations responded to information about criminal activities in Ihiala and Oyi LGAs of Anambra State as well as Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.
“However, the criminals had fled before troops arrived the location. They exploited the general area and recovered ammunitions, vehicles, motorcycles and the sum of N142,000.00 only as well as recovery of over 3,000 litres of illegally refined crude oil,” he said.
Similarly, Kangye added that between 8 – 12 May, 2025, in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) while acting on credible intelligence, troops arrested 2 suspected criminals in Ihiala and Igbo-Eze North LGAs of Anambra and Enugu States respectively.
He said the arrested suspects were handed over to appropriate authority for further investigation.