The Defence Headquarters has revealed the arrest of four individuals accused of supporting terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the announcement in a statement issued on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Among those detained are two operatives from the hybrid forces, who were previously collaborating with troops in counter-insurgency efforts.
According to Kangye, the arrests followed a series of military operations carried out between April 26 and 29 in the Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali Local Government Areas.
The operations led to the capture of four logistics suppliers aiding terrorists, including the two hybrid force personnel.
“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 stated.
Expressing disappointment over the involvement of supposed allies in aiding the enemy, Kangye urged military commanders to educate their personnel about the dangers of betrayal and its potential to undermine ongoing operations.
He also disclosed that troops, working alongside hybrid forces, launched a series of offensive missions—including patrols, raids, and clearance operations—across Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari.
These efforts resulted in the deaths of multiple terrorists, the rescue of six abducted individuals, and the recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and bicycles.
In the South-South region, military units intensified crackdowns on oil theft and illicit refining activities in the Niger Delta.
“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 Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and urged the public to support military operations by sharing actionable intelligence.
“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,” he added.
