Abuja: The Nigerian military has announced significant achievements in its operations during July, with troops successfully neutralizing several high-profile terror commanders, rescuing 134 kidnap victims, and preventing oil theft valued at N1.3 billion across various operational areas. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, shared these updates on military efforts during a briefing in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the military’s actions demonstrate its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across the nation. Among the notable successes, troops eliminated five infamous terror leaders, including Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar, through intensified operations in the North East and North West regions.
In total, 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements were apprehended, with 134 kidnapped individuals rescued and reunited with their families. Kangye also highlighted the surrender of a wanted terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, along with 151 terrorists and their families, to the troops during clearance operations in the North East.
During a targeted sting operation, the military captured several high-profile suspects, including individuals involved in gunrunning, kidnapping, cult activities, and extremist operations. Among those arrested were Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi, Ali Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (also known as Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama, Isah Abdullahi, and Abdullahi Mohammed. Additionally, suspected cult leader Prince Justin Ishimiri and extremist cell leader Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (known as Bajor) were detained.
Kangye reported that under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops thwarted oil theft and sabotage activities worth over N1.31 billion in the Niger Delta region. They recovered substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and other petroleum products, including 974,976 litres of crude oil, 269,257 litres of illegally refined diesel, 1,759 litres of dual-purpose kerosene, and 3,447 litres of petrol.
The operation also led to the discovery and destruction of numerous illegal facilities used in oil theft, including 126 cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, 73 illegal refining sites, 39 boats, 83 storage tanks, 88 drums, and 35 vehicles. A total of 285 suspects were arrested, and significant amounts of arms, ammunition, and explosives were seized.
Maj.-Gen. Kangye emphasized that the armed forces, guided by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, remain dedicated to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty while adhering to rules of engagement and respecting human rights. The military continues to conduct intelligence-driven operations with professionalism and patriotism, signaling a turning tide against threats to the state.