Troops Arrest 1,191 Terrorists, Rescue 543 Hostages In 3 Months

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said troops on internal operations arrested 1,191 terrorists, including kingpins, and rescued 543 hostages in three months.

Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye briefing journalists on military operations in the second quarter of 2025, said 682 terrorists and their families surrendered surrendered during the period.

He said troops within the period from April to June eliminated several terrorists leaders such as Amir Abu Fatimah, kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda and Maiwada.

“Our troops killed several terrorists’ kingpins and their foot soldiers, arrested over 1,191 of them and rescued 543 kidnapped victims. During the quarter, about 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops.

“Among the terrorists eliminated were dreaded Amir Abu Fatimah, kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze otherwise known as Onowu,” he said.

Kangye said just two days ago, bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with troops the previous week where many of his lieutenants were also eliminated.

He added that some notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the troops’ watch list were arrested and taking into custody for interrogation.

According to him, suspects being interrogated include Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Ilu Adamu, Ismaila Ilu Hassan, Michael and Shittu Muazu Bakassi.

Meanwhile, in the fight against economic saboteurs, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered stolen products worth N3,500,435,234.00.

The Director said troops also recovered 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO, 41,465 litres of DPK and 26,905 litres of PMS .

Kangye said troops also discovered and destroyed about 174 illegal refining sites, while 45 vehicles were seized from the suspects.

Other items recovered include automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices which were prepared by the terrorists and ready for detonation.

Also, some cache of assorted ammunition were recovered from the sites.