Nigerian troops say they have killed a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mai Dada, and dismantled several terror cells across Borno, Zamfara, and Plateau States, in a coordinated military operation.
The operations, conducted between June 25 and 26, 2025, also led to the recovery of large quantities of arms and ammunition, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of multiple suspects linked to terrorist logistics and criminal activities.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria say the renewed offensive demonstrates their unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability across troubled regions.
According to a statement by Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops under various components, including Operation HADIN KAI, Operation FASAN YAMA, Operation WHIRL STROKE, and Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN, carried out coordinated ground and air missions, as well as intelligence-led raids, in the North East, North West, North Central, and South-South regions.
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According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Borno State, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, backed by air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a fighting patrol in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
It noted that along a known withdrawal route used by ISWAP and Boko Haram (JAS) terrorists, the troops recovered 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two 40mm RPG bombs.
The DHQ also said that in another coordinated effort, soldiers of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade neutralized three terrorists during a targeted raid in Bama LGA. A Dane gun was recovered, and several terrorist shelters were destroyed.
“Additionally, troops of Sector 3 in Monguno intercepted a vehicle laden with logistics supplies suspected to be destined for terrorists.
“One suspect was arrested and items recovered included 65 litres of PMS, food items such as rice, groundnuts, and yams, as well as 2,000 empty cement bags, solar panels, solar lights, and motorcycle parts, materials often repurposed for terrorist use”, the statement reads
The DHQ reported that in the North West, troops of Operation FASAN YAMA under 1 Brigade conducted a counterattack in Maru LGA of Zamfara State that resulted in the elimination of a terrorist kingpin identified as Mai Dada.
“This operation was considered a major blow to criminal networks operating in the region.
“In Kaduna State, soldiers on escort duty with the 2 Battalion engaged fleeing armed men riding motorcycles in Birnin Gwari. The encounter led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition”, it added.
The report also revealed that in Plateau State, troops of Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN carried out offensive operations across six communities, Tangur, Kwakas, Horop, Tulus, Jinak, and Hokk in Bokkos LGA. Supported by drone surveillance, troops exploited mountainous terrain to flush out criminal elements.
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“A Dane gun was recovered after the criminals fled upon sighting the soldiers.
“In Benue State, personnel under Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a distress alert about kidnappers along the Peykia–Wukari road in Ukum LGA. Following a firefight, the kidnappers fled, abandoning five passengers who were safely rescued. A vehicle used by the kidnappers was also recovered”, DHQ reported.
Meanwhile, in the South-South region, according to DHQ, troops of 5 Battalion deployed in Otueke, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, arrested two suspects in possession of locally fabricated pistols and a 9mm round.
“Another suspect was arrested in Etsako Central LGA of Edo State with a pump-action shotgun and machetes”, it said.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, restore law and order, and ensure the safety of lives and property nationwide.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to collaborate with other security agencies and remain undaunted in the determination to dismantle criminal networks and maintain peace across the nation,” DHQ stated.
