…Earns DHQ commendation
The Defence Headquarters says on Thursday October 16,2025 that troops
recorded significant successes across various operational theaters in the country on going counter insurgency operations against terrorists and criminals.
Spokesperson for Defence Media Operations Major General Markus Kangye stated that the Defence Headquarters acknowledged troops operations last week describing their performance as “reflecting the strength of our strategic planning and the courage of our personnel on the ground, in the air, and at sea. “
Major General Kangye who stated this during the opening of bi -weekly press briefing said is important to begin “by acknowledging the continued dedication, discipline, and professionalism of our armed forces.”
“From counterterrorism efforts to peacekeeping missions and joint exercises with our allies, each operation underscores our commitment to national security, regional stability and international cooperation.” he added.
He disclosed that scores of terrorists and extremely violence elements were neutralized within the week and dozens of them arrested including a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists commander identified as Gentle who has been on troops wanted list .
Gentle , according to him, was arrested alongside 8 other criminals in Owerri West and Mbaitoli LGAs of Imo State while some of them were arrested in Izzi and Ohaukwu LGAs of Ebonyi State with their weapons, ammunition and vehicle .
Troops performance under the JTF North East OPHK, JTF North West OPFY and the 2 JTF in the North Central OPEP and OPWS were also commended for sustaining operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North.
Troops also “recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices making material,” he said.
He explained that with the efforts of ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component , Hybrid forces and civilians farmers who previously abandoned farming are now returning to their farms.
The Director also said that troops in Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, foiled oil theft worth over Ninety Eight Million Seven Hundred and Five Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety Five Naira (N98,705,495.00) only.
The breakdown indicates; 92,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,575 litres of AGO, 660 litres of DPK and 5,000 litres of PMS.
“Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 11 crude oil cooking
ovens, 7 dugout pits, 9 boats, 14 storage tanks and 7 illegal refining sites. Furthermore, 13 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.”
, Within the week between 9 – 12 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operation in Ethiope East,Ughelli South, Ndokwa, Okpe and Warri LGAs of Delta State. They also conducted similar operations in Ahoada East and Toru LGAs of Rivers State.
During the operations, 9 criminals were arrested. Some weapons and ammunition as well as a vehicle were recovered from them.