The figures were disclosed by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, who highlighted the success of coordinated operations across the North-East, North-West, and the Niger Delta. The results underscore an intensified commitment by security agencies to rid the country of terrorism, banditry, and economic sabotage.
Critical Arrests and Recoveries
During the one-month period, troops recorded several key victories against terrorist and bandit groups:
• 180 kidnapped civilians were rescued by military operations.
• 450 terrorists/bandits and other criminal elements were arrested nationwide.
• An additional 17 kidnap victims were confirmed released by the Zamfara State Police Command, bringing the total to 197.
• 39 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to the troops.
• In one operation, a wanted terrorist identified as Ali Saidu was arrested in Katsina State.
• Security forces recovered 63 assorted arms and a massive cache of 4,475 ammunition.
• 294 explosive items, including grenades and IED marking materials, were recovered, dismantling potential threats.
• 21 terrorists' collaborators and informants were arrested across the North-East.
Anti-Oil Theft Success in the Niger Delta
The September offensive was also focused on combating economic crimes in the South, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
Troops of Operation Delta Safe successfully discovered and destroyed 41 illegal refining sites. In a major win against oil theft, the operations foiled criminal activities valued at over N112.1 million (N112,175,220.00). The recovered stolen petroleum products included 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of AGO, 1,900 litres of DPK, and 1,475 litres of PMS.
The Director of Defence Media Operations confirmed that the military, in partnership with local security groups, will continue its aggressive kinetic and non-kinetic operations to deny criminals freedom of action, ensuring the safe resettlement of displaced persons and supporting unimpeded farming activities across the nation.