Exclusive: 27 Terrorists Killed, Oil Thieves Busted, Hostages Saved– Defence HQ Announces

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday, February 9, 2025, that Nigerian troops successfully neutralized 27 terrorists, arrested 62 suspects, and rescued 44 hostages in a series of operations conducted between January 30 and February 7, 2025…….READ MORE 

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed these achievements, emphasizing key advances in counterterrorism and anti-oil theft measures.

Kangye revealed that 23 individuals were apprehended for involvement in oil theft, with troops preventing the illegal diversion of crude oil worth over ₦292 million in the South-South region.

Recovered Items Include:

• 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil
• 42,000 litres of illegally refined diesel
• 5,100 litres of petrol

Troops also dismantled:

• 220 illegal crude oil ovens
• 23 dugout pits
• 17 storage tanks
• 24 illegal refining sites

Additionally, two boats, three motorcycles, two vehicles, and multiple mobile phones were confiscated.

Weapons and Ammunition Recovered:

• 26 AK-47 rifles
• Nine Dane guns
• Eight pump-action guns
• 920 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition

Breakdown of Operations Across Regions:

1. Operation Hadin Kai (Northeast):
   • 18 terrorists neutralized
   • 11 arrested
   • 31 hostages rescued
2. Operation Fasan Yamma (Northwest):
   • Eight terrorists neutralized
   • Six arrested
   • 55 hostages freed
3. Operation Safe Haven (North-Central):
   • Four extremists neutralized
   • 13 hostages rescued
4. Operation Delta Safe (South-South):
   • 23 oil theft suspects arrested
   • Illegal refining sites destroyed
5. Operation Whirl Stroke (North-Central):
   • One extremist neutralized
   • 30 suspects arrested
6. Southeast Operations:
   • Five IPOB/ESN members arrested
   • IEDs recovered and safely detonated
   • Four kidnapped victims rescued

The operations spanned states including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and Katsina, effectively disrupting terrorist activities and securing multiple hostages.

Major General Kangye assured the public that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain dedicated to protecting lives and property while upholding international standards in their operations.