Troops crush terror cells, nab 578, rescue 134 in July

In a vigorous campaign against insecurity, Nigeria's Armed Forces achieved significant successes in July 2025, eliminating prominent terrorist leaders, apprehending hundreds of insurgents, rescuing kidnapped individuals, and thwarting oil theft valued at over ₦1.3 billion.

During a detailed press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced that a total of 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal actors were apprehended nationwide, with 134 kidnapped victims successfully rescued. The operations during this month also led to the surrender of terrorist commander Ibn Ali, along with 151 of his fighters and their families. Notable figures eliminated included notorious warlords such as Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar. "Our forces remain fully committed to combating insurgency, banditry, oil theft, and communal violence with discipline, transparency, and integrity," Major General Kangye emphasized. "We operate in accordance with international humanitarian law and uphold human rights." In the North East, troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI focused on ISWAP and Boko Haram cells in Borno and Adamawa states, resulting in numerous enemy casualties, the arrest of eight insurgents, and the rescue of two victims. Among those captured were international suspects, including one who was unable to communicate in English, Hausa, or Kanuri, and is believed to be from Niger Republic.

Guardian