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Troops eliminate 857 terrorists, apprehend 1,638 suspects in June – SCIPC
The Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) said the armed forces of Nigeria have in June, neutralised 857 terrorists, arrested 1,638 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements and rescued 921 kidnapped hostages.
SCIPC is a committee of the spokespersons of the military, police, intelligence and response agencies set up by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The update was presented at the news conference by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday in Abuja.
Adejobi said the troops recovered 894 weapons, 21,538 ammunition and denied the oil thieves of an estimated sum over N5 billion during the month.
He gave the breakdown of recovered arms and ammunition to include 313 AK47 rifles, 76 locally fabricated guns, 92 dane guns, and 14,243 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
According to him, 4,209 rounds of 7.62mm NΑΤΟ, 222 assorted arms and 3,369 assorted ammunition were also recovered.
“Others are 3,994,080 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,879,630 litres of illegally refined AGO, 29,275 litres of DPK and 26,900 litres of PMS amongst other items,’’ he said.
Adejobi said that the security agencies had demonstrated unwavering dedication to maintaining and preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
He said the resolve and fighting spirit of armed forces remained unshaken, leading to numerous successes across various theatres of operation.
According to him, the Nigerian military reportedly eliminated 2,245 terrorists and apprehended 3,682 others in the past three months, showcasing the sustained and effective operations against insurgent elements.
“In a notable victory, a notorious terrorist was captured in Yobe on June 13.
“Further demonstrating the proactive stance of the security agencies, the army announced on June 15 the deployment of 5,937 new soldiers to combat banditry, secessionist agitation, and other threats.
“The MNJTF also eliminated 70 terrorists in on-going Operation Lake Sanity 2 in the Lake Chad Basin in recent airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Cameroon and Nigeria.
“The operation resulted in the killing of many terrorists and forcing others to flee into Chad.
“The operation also destroyed eight vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) near Arinna Ciki and ammunition bunkers northeast of Malam Fatori,’’ he added.
The force spokesman said the military also recorded several operational breakthroughs in Kogi with the rescue of abducted Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) students.
He said that the maritime security had been a focal point, with the Nigerian Navy taking significant steps to combat oil theft, destroying illegal refining sites and interception of N10 billion worth of stolen crude oil.
This according to him highlighted the scale of the issue and the navy’s determination to safeguard national assets.
“During the time under review, the Nigerian Army also took delivery of two Bell UH-1″Huey” helicopters to strengthen its ability to provide air cover for troops battling insecurity across the country.
“The first batch of those two Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopters, each equipped with advanced sensors to conduct various missions including reconnaissance, rescue, and medical evacuations, was received in June.
“The unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and maintaining national security is evident in the successes achieved in recent operations, reaffirming our resolve to protect the nation,’’ he added. (NAN
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.