Troops eliminate over 100 terrorists, rescue 21 hostages — DHQ

The Nigerian military has reported a wave of successes in recent security operations targeting terrorists and oil thieves across various regions of the country.

According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), troops neutralized more than 100 terrorists, apprehended over 100 suspects, and freed 21 hostages during coordinated missions carried out between April 17 and 25, 2025.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed these outcomes in a statement issued on Friday, highlighting key operations under way in the North East, North West, North Central, South East, and South South zones.

“In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched aggressive offensives leading to the surrender of ISWAP/JAS elements and the elimination of dozens of terrorists,” Kangye said.

He further detailed the activities in the North West, where Operation Fagge Yamma forces engaged insurgents in multiple states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina. Several militants were killed, suspects detained, and hostages rescued.

In the central part of the country, troops under Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke conducted intelligence-driven missions that led to the arrest of over 37 suspects across Plateau and Kaduna States from April 18 to 22.

Operations in the South East under the banner of Operation Udoka also yielded results. Security personnel raided insurgent hideouts in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, recovering weapons and explosives. Four kidnapped individuals were safely rescued in the process.

Meanwhile, in the South South region, troops involved in Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal oil refining facilities and intercepted petroleum products valued at more than ₦94 million.

“Between April 18 and 22, troops made contact with terrorists in several communities, seizing weapons, mobile phones, motorcycles, and IEDs,” Kangye added.

He also recalled that earlier this month, troops arrested 49 individuals linked to oil theft and dismantled 22 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.