Nigerian soldiers kill 27 terrorists, arrest 62, rescue 44 abductees

Nigerian soldiers kill 27 terrorists, arrest 62, rescue 44 abductees

The Defence Headquarters announced on Friday that troops combating terrorism and criminal activities across Nigeria neutralized 27 terrorists and arrested 62 others between January 30 and February 7, 2025.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that troops also rescued 44 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 23 suspects involved in oil theft during the operations.

“In the South-South, troops prevented oil theft valued at approximately ₦292,644,100, recovering 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 5,100 litres of petrol,” Kangye revealed.

Troops also destroyed 220 illegal crude oil cooking ovens, 23 dugout pits, two boats, 17 storage tanks, and 24 refining sites. Other seized items included one pumping machine, three motorcycles, two vehicles, and mobile phones.

The operations led to the recovery of 61 weapons and 1,584 rounds of ammunition, including 26 AK-47 rifles, nine Dane guns, eight pump-action guns, and 920 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

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Details of Operations:

• Operation Hadin Kai: Neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 11, and rescued 31 kidnapped hostages.
• Operation Fasan Yamma: Neutralized eight terrorists, arrested six, and rescued 55 hostages.
• Operation Safe Haven: Neutralized four extremists and rescued 13 hostages in the North Central region.
• Operation Delta Safe: Apprehended 23 oil theft suspects, destroyed illegal refining sites, and recovered weapons and ammunition.
• Operation Whirl Stroke: Neutralized one violent extremist and arrested 30 suspects.
• South-East Operations: Troops arrested five IPOB/ESN terrorists, detonated IEDs, and rescued four kidnapped victims.

During the operations, troops thwarted terrorist activities in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, and other states, making significant arrests and rescues.

The Defence Headquarters affirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria and called for continued public support. Major General Kangye assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to protect lives and property following global best practices.

 

Nigerian soldiers kill 27 terrorists, arrest 62, rescue 44 abductees