Nigerian military troops made a good catch in a recent operation with the arrest of no fewer than 450 terrorists across the theatres of operations.
Also, 63 arms and 4,475 ammunition were recovered during the operations.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed these while briefing correspondents in Abuja.
He said 294 items such as grenades, IED marking materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles and other items used in perpetrating crimes were also recovered.
“Accordingly, for the month of September, about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals were arrested, 39 of them were surrendered, while 180 civilians were rescued. Quantity 63 arms, 4,475 ammunition were recovered, 294 items such as grenades, IED marking materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles and other items used in perpetrating crimes were also recovered,” Major General Markus Kangye said.
Continuing, the Director Defence Media Operations disclosed that, “The Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the week ending 23 – 30 September 2025, sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action in the North East region. Our ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre. Their effort led to the elimination of several terrorists, their logistics suppliers, recovery of weapons, dismantling of their networks and support for safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities.
Troops conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists in 23 – 30 September 2025 in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Gukba, Monguno, Damboa, Biu and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State. They also conducted operations in Madagali, Hong and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. During the encounters, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition, while their camps were destroyed accordingly.
In a related development from 23 – 30 September 2025, troops conducted operations in Mafa, Magumeri, Konduga, Damboa, Chibok, Kaga, Abadam and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Mubi North and Hong LGAs of Adamawa State.
They also conducted operations in Geidam and Nguru LGAs of Yobe State. During the encounters, 21 terrorists’ collaborators, informants and terrorists sympathizers were arrested. Arms, ammunition, Logistics items, vehicles, motorcycles and IED marking materials were also recovered. Recovered Items are in troops custody, while interrogation is ongoing.”
While reacting to comments, General Kangye said, “This operation was initiated in direct response to escalating threats, hostile actions, or in support of allied forces, and were executed with precision, coordination, and a firm commitment to minimizing risk to both our forces and civilians on the ground.
Our primary objectives were to disrupt enemy capabilities, secure key terrain, support humanitarian efforts, and I can tell you that significant progress has been made.
The operation remains ongoing and our commanders on the ground continue to assess the situation to ensure stability and prevent further escalation. We remain fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the lawful execution of all missions in accordance with international and domestic rules of engagement. As always, the safety of our personnel and the protection of innocent lives are top priorities.”