July 03, (THEWILL) — The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said that troops neutralised several terrorist kingpins, arrested over 1,191 suspects, and rescued 543 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation in June 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing Defence Correspondents in Abuja, noting that about 682 terrorists and their family members also surrendered to troops during the period under review.
Among the high-profile terrorists eliminated were dreaded figures such as Amir Abu Fatimah, Kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, also known as Onowu. Notorious bandit kingpin, Yellow Danbokkolo, was confirmed dead from injuries sustained during a clash with troops.
Kangye said, “Our troops killed several terrorist kingpins and their foot soldiers, arrested over 1,191 of them, and rescued 543 kidnapped victims. Additionally, about 682 terrorists and their families surrendered. Among those eliminated were Amir Abu Fatimah, Kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, also known as Onowu.
“Just two days ago, bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with troops the previous week, in which many of his lieutenants were also eliminated.”
He added that troops apprehended several wanted gunrunners and kidnappers, including Buhari Umar, Hassan Mohammed, Saleh Sani, and Shittu Muazu Bakassi.
In the Niger Delta, Kangye said troops under Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft operations worth over N3.5 billion.
According to him, recovered materials included 2.38 million litres of stolen crude oil, more than 600,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and tens of thousands of litres of other petroleum products.
“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft valued at over N3,500,435,234. The breakdown is as follows: 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO, 41,465 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 26,905 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were recovered.
“In addition, troops discovered and destroyed about 174 illegal refining sites and seized 45 vehicles used in the illicit operations,” Kangye stated.
On the issue of granting amnesty to surrendered terrorists and bandits, Kangye clarified that such decisions lie outside the military’s purview.
“Amnesty is not what we do. Our responsibility is to carry out operations based on rules of engagement and operational directives. If people surrender or are arrested during operations, any decision regarding amnesty will be taken by the appropriate government agencies,” he explained.
Responding to questions on the continued detention of some leaders of Okuama community in Delta State despite a reported court order, Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the Defence Headquarters had not received any such directive.
“The DHQ has not received any court injunction in respect of that. If we do, we have our legal team that will advise on the appropriate steps,” Gusau stated.
On reports of restricted access to the detained individuals, he added, “There has been no official request forwarded to the Defence Headquarters on that matter. Perhaps the request only exists on the pages of newspapers. There is a process for everything, and if the correct procedure is followed, we will respond accordingly.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
