The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of four collaborators aiding terrorist operations in the North-East, including two personnel from the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops to combat insurgency.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.
He said in operations from April 26 to 29 across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali Local Government Areas, troops intercepted four terrorist logistics suppliers, two of whom were identified as hybrid force members.
He expressed concern over the betrayal and warned commanders to sensitise their personnel against acts that could sabotage ongoing military efforts.
“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 said.
In another operation, Kangye said troops in conjunction with hybrid forces carried out offensive operations—including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance missions—in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari local government areas.
He added that several terrorists were neutralised during the operations, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and caches of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles were recovered.
In the South-South, Kangye said troops also achieved significant success in curbing oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
He said they recovered over 86,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and over 2,600 litres of petrol.
In addition, troops destroyed dozens of illegal refining sites and seized boats, storage tanks, tricycles, mobile phones, and seven vehicles.
“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’ commitment to safeguarding national security and urged citizens to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies.
He stressed that while some operational details must remain discreet for security reasons, the military remains focused on defeating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal threats to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
He said, “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.
“While operational security requires discretion on certain details, we remain focused in our determination to defeat terrorism, banditry and other criminalities in the country in order to ensure the safety of all Nigerians. Against this backdrop, the Armed Forces is calling on all law-abiding citizens to continue sharing credible information with our troops in order to enhance our operations.”
PUNCH (May 2, 2025).
