The Nigerian Armed Forces have recorded significant victories in July across multiple operational theatres, killing top terror commanders, rescuing hostages, and disrupting oil theft operations worth over ₦1.3 billion, according to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye.
Providing a briefing in Abuja on Friday, Kangye said the operations underscored the military’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and restore national peace and stability.
He revealed that troops eliminated five notorious terror leaders — Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar — during intensified operations in the North East and North West.
“In total, 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements were arrested, while 134 kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families,” Kangye said.
He also disclosed that Ibn Ali, a wanted terrorist commander, surrendered along with 151 terrorists and their families during clearance operations in the North East.
Among other high-profile arrests made in sting operations were:
- Gunrunners, cultists, and extremist figures, including Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi, and Mallam Aminu Idris.
- Mohammed Hamisu (alias Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama, Isah Abdullahi, and Abdullahi Mohammed.
- Cult kingpin Prince Justin Ishimiri and extremist cell leader Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor).
On the economic front, Kangye said troops under Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered widespread sabotage and oil theft operations in the Niger Delta. The military recovered:
- 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil
- 269,257 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO)
- 1,759 litres of kerosene (DPK)
- 3,447 litres of petrol (PMS)
In the course of these operations, troops destroyed 126 cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, 73 illegal refining sites, 83 storage tanks, 39 boats, 88 drums, and 35 vehicles used in illicit crude operations. 285 suspects were arrested, and large caches of arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered.
Kangye reiterated that the military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, is committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty while upholding human rights and professionalism.
“The tide is turning against the enemies of the state, and we will sustain the momentum,” he said, adding that ongoing intelligence-led operations are being executed with patriotism and precision.
