Key points

• Troops killed five wanted terrorist leaders.

• 134 kidnapped victims were rescued in July.

• Oil theft operations worth over ₦1.3B were foiled.

The Nigerian military has killed five of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders in July, according to the Defence Headquarters.

Among them were top commanders Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, and Yello Dambokolo, all neutralized in targeted operations across the North East and North West regions.

In addition to the high-profile eliminations, security forces arrested 578 suspected terrorists, cultists, and criminal elements.

The month-long sweep also led to the rescue of 134 kidnapped victims and the surrender of over 150 terrorists with their families.

More than 130 kidnap victims rescued

Defence Media Operations Director, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that among the arrested individuals were several notorious kidnappers and gunrunners.

Cult figures like Prince Justin Ishimiri and extremist kingpin Liamdoo Adekpe (alias Bajor) were also apprehended.

Troops conducted simultaneous operations across Borno, Adamawa, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Plateau States.

In several instances, extremists and foreign nationals were intercepted attempting to breach border towns.

ISWAP members were also rounded up in Gujba and Bama LGAs of Yobe and Borno States.

Oil theft worth ₦1.3B foiled in Delta

Operation Delta Safe troops stopped an oil theft ring worth more than ₦1.3 billion by destroying 126 crude oil furnaces and dozens of illicit storage tanks.

The crackdown involved taking more than 970,000 liters of crude oil and hundreds of thousands of liters of illegally processed petroleum products.

285 people were arrested in the South-South region as a result of operations. Other important things found include bombs, tricycles, pumping machines, and cell phones utilized for illegal activity.

Security intensified across terror-prone regions

In Plateau, Benue, Enugu, and Imo States, troops disrupted numerous criminal networks, including IPOB/ESN cells and cultist groups.

Several arms, ammunition, and vehicles were seized. The military confirmed that some suspects are undergoing interrogation, while others were neutralized in active combat.

Kangye reaffirmed the military’s resolve: “Our forces remain vigilant, ready, and resolute in facing current and emerging threats. We thank Nigerians for their continued support.”