The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that Nigerian Armed Forces troops successfully neutralized 217 terrorists and arrested 574 others during internal operations in February 2025.
Maj-Gen. Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this information in a statement about the Armed Forces’ activities across the country. He also highlighted that 320 hostages were rescued and 152 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants, along with their families, surrendered to the troops.
The military forces also recovered a significant cache of weapons, including 159 AK-47 rifles, 54 locally made guns, 36 dane guns, 19 pump-action guns, 4,836 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other assorted firearms and ammunition.
The operations, which were carried out jointly with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), other security agencies, and hybrid forces, involved a range of activities such as patrols, raids, ambushes, clearances, and search-and-rescue missions.
Kangye noted that the troops were able to thwart oil theft operations worth approximately N2.1 billion, arresting 122 perpetrators, and recovering 1.7 million litres of stolen crude oil, 402,936 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 600 litres of DPK.
The Defence Headquarters assured that all arrested individuals, recovered items, and rescued hostages were handed over to the appropriate authorities. Kangye praised the troops for their tireless efforts in combating terrorism and other criminal activities, and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
