MILITARY KILLS TERROR LEADERS, RESCUES 134 VICTIMS, FOILS N1.3BN OIL THEFT IN JULY OPERATIONS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigerian Armed Forces have announced major operational gains in July, including the killing of high-profile terror leaders, the rescue of over 130 kidnap victims, and the disruption of oil theft activities worth more than N1.3 billion.

Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday while providing updates on military operations across various theatres in the country.

According to Kangye, intensified offensives in the North East and North West regions led to the elimination of five notorious terror commanders—Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar. In total, 578 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes were arrested, and 134 kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families.

He also revealed that a wanted terrorist leader, Ibn Ali, surrendered along with 151 fighters and their families during clearance operations in the North East.

The military also recorded the arrest of several high-profile individuals, including gunrunners, extremist figures, and cult leaders. Those apprehended include Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi, and extremist cell leader Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, also known as Bajor.

In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE foiled large-scale oil theft and sabotage schemes. Recovered items included 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil, 269,257 litres of illegally refined diesel, 1,759 litres of kerosene, and 3,447 litres of petrol. Additionally, 126 cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, 73 illegal refining sites, and various vehicles, boats, drums, and storage tanks used in the operations were destroyed.

A total of 285 individuals were arrested in connection with the oil theft activities, and large caches of arms, ammunition, and explosives were seized.

Maj.-Gen. Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. He emphasized that all operations are intelligence-led and guided by professionalism, patriotism, and adherence to human rights.

“The tide is turning against the enemies of the state, and we will sustain the momentum,” Kangye declared.