Nigerian Armed Forces Record Significant Gains in Counter Terrorism Operations

Strategic Insights -

The Nigerian Armed Forces (AFN) have made remarkable progress in their counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts, as revealed in a quarterly briefing by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO). Troops have arrested 1,191 terrorists, rescued 543, and killed numerous high-ranking commanders and foot soldiers. Despite some setbacks caused by Improvise Explosive Devices (IEDs), troops displayed unwavering courage, resilience, and professional competence. The AFN, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, has eliminated key terrorists commanders, bandits kingpins, and IPOB/ESN criminals. Notably, 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops, while some economic saboteurs and terrorists logistics suppliers were arrested.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Armed Forces (AFN) arrested 1,191 terrorists and rescued 543 during the second quarter of 2025.
  • Troops eliminated key terrorists commanders, bandits kingpins, and IPOB/ESN criminals.
  • About 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops, while some economic saboteurs and terrorists logistics suppliers were arrested.
  • The AFN, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, recovered large quantities of stolen crude oil, AGO, DPK, and PMS, with an estimated value of over N3,500,435,234.00.
  • Troops destroyed 174 illegal refining sites, seized 45 vehicles, and recovered automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices prepared by terrorists.
  • Notorious gunrunners and kidnappers, including Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, and others, were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation.
  • Bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with troops, while his lieutenants were eliminated.

Statistics:

  • 1,191 terrorists arrested
  • 543 terrorists rescued
  • 682 terrorists and their families surrendered
  • N3,500,435,234.00 worth of stolen crude oil, AGO, DPK, and PMS recovered
  • 174 illegal refining sites destroyed
  • 45 vehicles seized
  • 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil recovered
  • 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO recovered
  • 41,465 litres of DPK recovered
  • 26,905 litres of PMS recovered

Sources:

  • "Nigerian Armed Forces Record Significant Gains in Counter Terrorism Operations" (Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, DDMO)
  • (Unspecified)