Defence Headquarters Reports Significant Gains in Counter-Terrorism and Security Operations

Strategic Insights -

The Defence Headquarters(DHQ) has released a report detailing the significant progress made by troops in various security operations across the country between April and June, 2025. According to the report, troops have killed scores of terrorists, arrested 1,191 others, including their kingpins, rescued 543 hostages, and recovered several arms and ammunition. The report also highlights the destruction of 174 illegal refining sites, where troops recovered stolen products worth N3,500,435,234.00, and seized 45 vehicles from suspects.

Key Takeaways:

  • Troops engaged in counter-terrorism and security operations across the country killed scores of terrorists, arrested 1,191 others, including their kingpins, and rescued 543 hostages between April and June, 2025.
  • The troops recovered several arms and ammunition, including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices.
  • About 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops at various theatres of operations.
  • The military eliminated several terrorist leaders, including Amir Abu Fatimah, kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, and Maiwada.
  • 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.
  • The military does not engage in amnesty of any kind, and any amnesty granted to repentant terrorists is determined by agencies of government responsible for giving amnesty.
  • The Defence Headquarters has not received a court order to release detained leaders of Okuoma community, where 17 soldiers were killed during a peace operation, despite reports of its issuance.

Statistics:

  • 1,191 terrorists and their accomplices were arrested between April and June, 2025.
  • 543 hostages were rescued by troops during the same period.
  • 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops at various theatres of operations.
  • N3,500,435,234.00 worth of stolen products was recovered by troops of Operation DELTA SAFE.
  • 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered by the troops.
  • 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO were discovered and destroyed by the troops.
  • 41,465 litres of DPK and 26,905 litres of PMS were also recovered by the troops.

Sources:

  • The Defence Headquarters(DHQ)
  • Major-General Markus Kangye, Director Defence Media Operations
  • Brig.-Gen Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information