The Defence Headquarters says troops have rescued more than 115 kidnapped victims and thwarted an oil theft operation valued at over N443 million within one week of nationwide operations.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the rescues were carried out between August 21 and 27, 2025, across Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Delta, Rivers States, and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said 76 of the victims were freed in Katsina State following an airstrike on terrorist hideouts at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area. In Borno and Yobe States, five victims were rescued in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar, Chibok, Monguno, Konduga, and Gujba LGAs. Another three captives regained freedom in Sokoto and Zamfara States, while 29 others were rescued in Benue and Taraba States under Operation Whirl Stroke. Two more victims were freed in Delta and Rivers States during offensive operations in Sapele, Aniocha North, Ughelli, Ahoada, and Onelga LGAs.
Kangye added that troops killed several terrorists, arrested over 50 suspects, and recovered assorted arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, logistics supplies, and the sum of N70,050. Several improvised explosive devices were also safely detonated in parts of Borno State.
He further disclosed that a key member of the notorious Abu Ayuba terrorist syndicate surrendered in Borno State amid intensified operations. “Following the intensity of our gallant troops’ firefights, a terrorist fighter belonging to the Abu Ayuba syndicate surrendered to troops in Kwayari village, Kaga LGA, on August 20, 2025. The terrorist surrendered weapon and ammunition and is willing to cooperate in non-kinetic negotiations for other members to surrender,” he said.
On the oil theft operation, Kangye revealed that troops of Operation Delta Safe intercepted 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 188,450 litres of illegally refined AGO. They also discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 16 storage tanks, eight boats, and 12 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered included pumping machines, mobile phones, three tricycles, and four vehicles. A total of 33 oil thieves and other criminal suspects were also arrested during the operation.
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