Troops Crush Terrorists: 27 Killed, 62 Arrested, 44 Hostages Freed In Massive Offensive – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday, February 9, 2025, that troops engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and crime-fighting operations across Nigeria successfully neutralized 27 terrorists, arrested 62 suspects, and rescued 44 kidnapped victims in missions conducted between January 30 and February 7, 2025.

In a statement, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, detailed the military’s notable achievements in both counterterrorism and oil theft prevention.

Kangye revealed that troops apprehended 23 individuals connected to oil theft and thwarted the illegal siphoning of crude oil worth an estimated ₦292.6 million in the South-South region.

“Troops prevented oil theft amounting to approximately ₦292,644,100, recovering 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 5,100 litres of petrol,” Kangye reported.

Illegal Oil Operations Dismantled
Troops also destroyed the following during anti-oil theft operations:

• 220 illegal crude oil cooking ovens
• 23 dugout pits
• Two boats
• 17 storage tanks
• 24 illegal refining sites

Items Recovered included:

• One pumping machine
• Three motorcycles
• Two vehicles
• Several mobile phones

Weapons and Ammunition Seized
During the extensive operations, security forces recovered a total of 61 weapons and 1,584 rounds of ammunition, significantly disrupting the capabilities of criminal elements.