ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — The Nigerian military announced significant counterterrorism and security successes in July, including the elimination of five high-profile terror commanders, the rescue of 134 kidnapped victims, and the prevention of oil theft valued at over ₦1.3 billion, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said Friday.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, briefed reporters in Abuja, detailing the military’s intensified operations to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace nationwide.
Among the terror leaders neutralized were Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar, who were targeted in operations across Nigeria’s volatile North East and North West regions.
In total, security forces arrested 578 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, while rescuing 134 kidnapped individuals and reuniting them with their families. A notable development included the voluntary surrender of Ibn Ali, a wanted terrorist commander, along with 151 fighters and their families in the North East.
Kangye also revealed that numerous high-profile suspects were captured in sting operations, including gunrunners, cult leaders, and extremist figures such as Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, and suspected cult kingpin Prince Justin Ishimiri.
In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe thwarted oil theft and sabotage activities worth approximately ₦1.31 billion. Security forces recovered nearly one million litres of stolen crude oil and large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products, while destroying numerous illegal refining sites, cooking ovens, boats, storage tanks, and vehicles used in the illicit trade.
A total of 285 suspects were arrested during anti-oil theft operations, alongside the seizure of arms, ammunition, and explosives.
Major General Kangye affirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty under Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa. He emphasized that operations are intelligence-driven and conducted with professionalism and respect for human rights.
“The tide is turning against the enemies of the state, and we will sustain the momentum,” Kangye stated.
