The Nigerian military has recorded fresh successes in its nationwide operations, killing 13 suspected bandits and kidnappers in Benue and Plateau States, while also dismantling criminal networks in other parts of the country.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Abuja on recent military activities across different theatres of operation.
According to him, the troops not only eliminated key terror commanders but also foiled an oil theft attempt valued at over ₦28 million and destroyed 17 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.
“Troops eliminated some key terrorist commanders during firefights as well as through air bombardments. They have also arrested terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals,” General Kangye said.
He identified the neutralised bandit leaders as Adamu Buba and Abdulahi Karu, who had been terrorising villages in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. He further revealed that troops arrested two suspected gunrunners in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while two suspected kidnappers—Mohammed Sanusi and Usman Alhaji Bala—were apprehended in Obajana, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The defence spokesman added that Operation Delta Safe troops, within a 12-day period, recorded significant gains, recovering assets valued at over ₦545 million.
Meanwhile, in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents at Kareto, Borno State, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The ambush, which involved two command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and heavy gunfire, targeted a military convoy escorting humanitarian trucks along the Gubio-Damasak road.
General Kangye said the troops responded swiftly, suppressing the insurgents with superior firepower and killing 13 of them on the spot. During the operation, eight AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, several rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, camel bags, and detonating cord wires were recovered.
He confirmed that one soldier was slightly wounded but is in stable condition. However, four Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tyres were damaged, and two trucks were engulfed in flames during the encounter.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace across the country, stressing that ongoing operations will continue to dismantle criminal networks and secure communities.