… recovers large cache of arms and ammunition, others
Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are currently engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in order to combat specific threats, secure citizens and provide secure environment for economic activities to thrive.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director Defence Media Operations revealed this at the regular update of operational activities of the AFN from the period 16 – 23 October 2025.
Major Kangye explained that troops of the Armed Forces in conjunction with relevance security agencies actively engaged in series of operations designed to enhance national security, promote stability, and national interests both at home and abroad.
According to him, “our focus is to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our duty to inform the public about the efforts and the principles guiding our actions.
“DHQ is aware of the public interest in the ongoing military operations, and we are committed to providing you with timely and accurate information about our activities across all theatres.
“Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices making materials.
“Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were discovered,” he stated.
Furthermore, Major General Kangye provided detailed report from the various theatres of operation highlighting terrorists/criminals killed in action, arrests of their cohorts, rescuing of kidnapped hostages and weapons recovered as well as troops protection of natural resources/curbing of crude oil theft in Niger Delta.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
The Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the week ending, sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region.
Our ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.
During these operations, they eliminated several terrorists, arrested their logistics suppliers and other criminals, recovery of weapons, dismantling of their networks and support for safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities.
For instance, from 16 – 23 October 2025, troops conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists in Gwoza, Konduga, Monguno, Damboa, Kaga Kukawa Biu, Gubio, Abadam and Ngala LGAs of Borno State. Similar operations were conducted in Madagali, Maiha and Tarmuwa LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States.
During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were eliminated in action, 13 of them and their collaborators, informants, their sympathizers and spies were arrested, while 3 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Some quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles, PMS, motorcycles and other household items were also recovered, while their camps were destroyed. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of OPFY sustained operational tempo throughout the week with significant activities.
During fire fights, some terrorists were killed in action and kidnapped victims rescued. For instance, from 16 – 23 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Tsayanwa, Dan Musa, Faskari, Charandi, Zango and Malumfashi LGAs of Katsina State.
They also conducted operations in Kebbe, Goronyo, Gudu and Kware LGAs of Sokoto State.
Our gallant troops also conducted similar operations in Tsafe, Maradun and Sakaba LGAs of Zamfara and Kebbi States as well as Kajurun and Tudun Wada LGAs of Kaduna State.
During these operations, several terrorists were killed in action, 11 of them were arrested, while 14 kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles, livestock and other household items were recovered from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
During the period under review, troops of OP ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities in some sectors.
For instance, from 16 – 23 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos North, Riyom, Jos East, and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
Similar operations were also conducted in Zangon Kataf, Jama’a, Kaura and Tafawa Balewa LGAs of Kaduna and Bauchi States respectively.
During the firefights, some extremists were killed in action and arrested 24 of them, while 3 kidnaped victims were rescued. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles were recovered from them.
In Another development, on 19 October 2025 in a planned raid operation, troops at the residence of a wanted notorious extremist leader identified as Alhaji Muhammed Sule (aka MP) at Rawaya village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
No contact was made during the raid. However, following weapons were recovered from the suspect’s residence; 2 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, 6 magazines and 1,202 live ammunition. Weapons recovered are in troops custody, while manhunt of the suspect is ongoing to affect arrest.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded some successes in their Area of Responsibility during the week.
They conducted operations
between 16 – 23 October 2025 in Ibbi, Jalingo and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State. They also conducted operations in Ukum, Logo and Shendam LGAs of Benue and Plateau States.
Similar operations were also conducted in Nasarawa, Akwanga and Toto LGAs of Nasarawa State.
Additionally, troops conducted operations in Kabba Bunu and Yagba LGAs of Kogi State as well as Bwari and Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
During these operations, troops killed some criminals in action, arrested 16 suspected criminals, while 3 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms, ammunition, vehicles and livestock were recovered from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over Thirtheen Million Four Hundred and Forty Six Thousand Two Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira (N13,446,278.00) only.
The breakdown indicates; 12,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 840 litres of AGO and 1,350 litres of DPK.
Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 6 crude oil cooking ovens, 4 dugout pits, 12 boats, 5 storage tanks and 2 illegal refining sites.
Furthermore, 3 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested.
Relatedly, between 12 – 22 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operation in Uvwie, Burutu, Warrin South and Ethiope East LGAs of Delta State and arrested 7 criminals.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive posture throughout the week under review.
Between 17 – 23 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Ngor Okpala, Ohaji/Egbema and Mbano LGAs of Imo State.
They also conducted operations in Umunneochi and Orumba North LGAs of Abia and Anambra States.
Similar operations were also conducted in Udenu and Afikpo LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively.
During the operations, troops arrested 12 IPOB/ESN terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped victims. Arm and ammunition as well as vehicles were recovered during the operations.
In his conclusion, Major General Kangye noted that troops of AFN remain committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action in the country.
“The success of ongoing operations is a testament to the determination and resilience of our troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure our nation.
“The Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in all operations and assures Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens, “ he concluded.
