Troops Rescue 65 Hostages, Arrest 80 Suspects, Shut Down 27 Illegal Refineries – Defence HQ

Troops Rescue 65 Kidnap Victims, Arrest 80 Suspects, Shut Down 27 Illegal Refineries – Defence Headquarters

In a sweeping nationwide operation in May 2025, the Nigerian Armed Forces rescued 65 kidnapped victims, arrested over 80 suspects, and dismantled 27 illegal refineries, according to a statement from the Defence Headquarters.

The coordinated missions, conducted under various regional operations, targeted terrorists, kidnappers, and oil theft syndicates. Arrested individuals include logistics suppliers to insurgents and criminal collaborators.

Regional Breakdown of Operations

North East (Operation Hadin Kai):

Troops carried out offensives across Borno and Yobe states, rescuing 22 kidnapped victims and arresting 16 terrorist accomplices. Over six terrorists were taken into custody, with several others neutralized. The military also recovered weapons, IEDs, motorcycles, vehicles, and over ₦38,900 in cash. An additional 12 hostages escaped captivity and were rescued.

North West (Operation Fasin Yamma):

Operations in Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina states led to the rescue of four victims, elimination of multiple terrorists, and the arrest of three suspects. Security forces also detained a female terrorist supporter and three accomplices in Niger and Sokoto states.

North Central (Operations Safe Haven & Whirl Stroke):

In Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Taraba states, 11 kidnap victims were rescued. Over 20 suspects were apprehended, and extremists were neutralized. Seized items included weapons, motorcycles, livestock, ₦534,600 in cash, and military uniforms and gear discovered in a suspect’s home in Nasarawa.

South East (Operation Udoka):

Four suspected criminals were arrested in Ebonyi and Anambra states. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, and a vehicle.

Niger Delta (Operation Delta Safe):

Security forces shut down 27 illegal refinery sites, seizing over 77,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of illegally refined AGO, 2,700 litres of DPK, and 1,240 litres of PMS. A total of 27 oil thieves were arrested, and 96 items — including boats, engines, storage tanks, and drilling equipment — were confiscated. Additionally, 13 vandals were arrested in Delta and Bayelsa states, with the recovery of weapons, electronics, and vehicles.

Military Strategy and Commitment

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized the military’s commitment to a combined kinetic and non-kinetic approach, ensuring that operations minimize civilian casualties while safeguarding national infrastructure.

“Our troops remain resilient and professional. Their commitment is evident in the success of recent operations across all regions,” said Kangye.

The Defence Headquarters commended the courage and dedication of all troops involved and reaffirmed its mission to protect lives, property, and national sovereignty.