Troops record major gains in July, eliminate terror kingpins and foil oil theft worth N1.3bn

The Nigerian military says it recorded significant operational successes in July, including the elimination of top terror commanders, rescue of kidnapped victims, and the disruption of oil theft networks valued at over ₦1.3 billion across different regions of the country.

Major-General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during a monthly briefing on military operations nationwide.

According to Kangye, five notorious terrorist leaders—Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar—were neutralised by troops during intensified operations in the North-East and North-West.

“In total, 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements were arrested, while 134 kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families,” he said.

He also announced the surrender of a wanted terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, along with 151 fighters and their family members to troops in the North-East.

In addition, several high-profile suspects—including gunrunners, kidnappers, cultists, and extremist figures—were arrested in sting operations. Those apprehended include Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi, Ali Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (aka Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama, Isah Abdullahi, and Abdullahi Mohammed.

Kangye added that a suspected cult kingpin, Prince Justin Ishimiri, and an alleged extremist cell leader, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor), were also arrested.

On the economic front, the military made major breakthroughs under Operation DELTA SAFE, disrupting illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta region. Troops reportedly prevented crude oil theft and sabotage worth ₦1.31 billion.

Recovered materials include:

• 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil

• 269,257 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO)

• 1,759 litres of dual-purpose kerosene (DPK)

• 3,447 litres of petrol (PMS)

Kangye said troops also discovered and destroyed:

• 126 illegal cooking ovens

• 107 dugout pits

• 73 illegal refining sites

• 39 boats

• 83 storage tanks

• 88 drums

• 35 vehicles used for transporting stolen petroleum products

He said 285 suspects were arrested in connection with these operations, and several arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered.

Major-General Kangye reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that current operations are intelligence-led and guided by professionalism, patriotism, and respect for human rights.

“The tide is turning against the enemies of the state, and we will sustain the momentum,” he declared.