By Peter Omopo
29th August 2025
The Nigerian military has rescued more than 115 kidnapped victims and foiled an oil theft operation valued at over ₦443 million in a series of nationwide operations carried out between August 21 and 27, 2025.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the coordinated operations were conducted across Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Delta, Rivers States, and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Kangye, the largest single rescue occurred in Katsina State, where troops freed 76 hostages following an airstrike on terrorist hideouts at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area. Another five victims were rescued in multiple local councils across Borno and Yobe States, while follow-up operations in Sokoto and Zamfara led to the release of three captives.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops in Benue and Taraba States rescued 29 kidnapped persons, while two more victims were freed in Delta and Rivers States during offensive operations.
In addition to the rescues, troops reportedly killed several terrorists, arrested over 50 suspects, and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, logistics supplies, illicit drugs, and more than ₦70,000 in cash. Several improvised explosive devices were also safely detonated in parts of Borno State.
Kangye further revealed that a member of the Abu Ayuba terrorist syndicate surrendered in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on August 20, handing over his weapon and ammunition. The fighter, he added, has expressed willingness to support negotiations aimed at persuading other members of the group to surrender.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation Delta Safe intercepted 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 188,450 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). They also destroyed 13 cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 16 storage tanks, 12 illegal refining sites, and eight boats used in the illicit trade.
Items recovered during the anti-oil theft operation included pumping machines, mobile phones, three tricycles, four vehicles, assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives. Security forces also arrested 33 suspected oil thieves and other criminals linked to the operation.
Kangye commended the troops for their resilience and reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting lives, dismantling criminal networks, and safeguarding Nigeria’s critical assets.
