The Defence Headquarters has announced the arrest of four individuals aiding terrorist operations in the North-East, including two hybrid force personnel who were previously working alongside Nigerian troops in counter-insurgency missions.
This was disclosed by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement issued on Friday.He stated that during operations between April 26 and 29 in Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali local government areas, four logistics suppliers were apprehended, with two confirmed to be members of the hybrid forces.
“In a well-coordinated operation conducted from 26 – 29 April 2025 in Bama, Kukawa and Madagali Local of Borno and Adamawa States, troops intercepted 4 terrorists’ logistics suppliers. Sadly, 2 of them were confirmed to be members of hybrid forces. Commanders are to, therefore, sensitise hybrid forces personnel to desist from colluding with or encouraging terrorists’ acts capable of sabotaging their own operations,“ Kangye said.
He also confirmed that troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces, executed various offensive missions including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance operations in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists, the rescue of six kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles.
In the South-South, Kangye reported significant progress against oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta. Troops confiscated more than 86,000 litres of stolen crude oil, over 72,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 2,600 litres of petrol.
“Troops recovered 86,490 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,821 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,650 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 72 crude oil cooking ovens, 41 dugout pits, 13 boats, 2 speedboats, 29 storage tanks, 47 drums and 22 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 7 vehicles. Furthermore, 18 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered,” he said.
Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defending the nation and called on citizens to stay alert and cooperate with security forces by providing credible intelligence.
He said, “The Armed Forces will continue to be guided by clear objectives: to safeguard national security, support our allies, and maintain regional stability. We recognise the importance of transparency and accountability, and we remain committed to keeping the public informed through accurate and timely updates. While operational security requires discretion on certain details, we remain focused in our determination to defeat terrorism, banditry and other criminalities in the country in order to ensure the safety of all Nigerians. Against this backdrop, the Armed Forces is calling on all law-abiding citizens to continue sharing credible information with our troops in order to enhance our operations.”
Source : https://punchng.com/
