Troops Rescue 140 Hostages in North-west, Nab 425 Oil Thieves, Other Criminals in South-south

.Army probes alleged poor feeding of soldiers at frontline

Linus Aleke in Abuja 

The Nigerian military has said that the troops of Joint Task Force North-west, ‘Operation Fansan Yamma’, have rescued no fewer than 140 kidnapped hostages in separate operations across the North-west operational theatres in one week. 

Also, the Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into the viral video alleging poor feeding of soldiers on the frontline. 

The military also revealed that troops of Joint Task Force South-south, ‘Operation Delta Safe’, also apprehended 425 oil thieves and other criminal elements within its area of responsibility in the said period.

The rescue of the hostages, the military said, followed coordinated and intelligence-led operations across the North-west and part of the North-central to curtail activities of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements, particularly in Sabon Birni and Dange Shuni LGAs of Sokoto State, Maru, Zurmi, and Bakura LGAs of Zamfara, Matazu and Mariga LGAs of Katsina and Niger States, as well as Shanono LGA of Kano State, respectively.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a weekly update on operational activities of troops across all theatres, stated that scores of terrorists were killed, six were arrested, while two kidnapped victims were rescued during these operations. 

General Kangye said, “Relatedly, while on routine patrol, troops responded to information about terrorists’ activities and made contact in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. During the encounter, 106 kidnapped victims were rescued. Also, sequel to the ongoing non-kinetic operations in Zamfara State, 32 kidnapped victims, comprising 27 adult females and five children, were released by the terrorists to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) team on 20 July 2025. Additionally, weapons and ammunition were also handed over to the team.” 

He stated that troops and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) raided terrorists’/criminals’ hideouts in Matazu and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State, as well as Sokoto North LGA of Sokoto State, between 18 and 20 July 2025.

During the raids, troops nabbed a notorious terrorist identified as Muhammadu Hamisu, otherwise known as Mamiyo, and five others. 

Troops also recovered the following items from them: weapons, illicit drugs, motorcycles, logistics supplies, and the sum of N192,300.00. 

Also, troops of Joint Task Force South-south Operation Delta Safe recovered 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 2,500 litres of PMS. 

They discovered and destroyed 30 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, two boats, seven storage tanks, 14 drums, and 14 illegal refining sites, adding that other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and eight vehicles.

“Furthermore, 237 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives were also recovered. Troops, while conducting offensive operations, arrested 183 suspected internet fraudsters in Uvwie LGA of Delta State and five other criminals in Ughelli North LGA of the State, as well as Southern Ijaw and Ahoada LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States, respectively,” he said. 

Kangye also revealed that on 15 July 2025, troops, in conjunction with professional divers and local fishermen, recovered a PKT gun and 400 rounds of ammunition at a boat mishap site in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.

In another development, the Nigerian Army in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, noted that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a thorough and detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the viral video alleging poor feeding of soldiers on the frontline. 

Colonel Anele said the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon conclusion, in line with the COAS’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

She said, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn, with utmost concern, to a video circulating widely on social media and picked up by some mainstream media platforms. The footage shows some personnel displaying food items allegedly sent to them by their higher command, suggesting dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of the food items. 

“While the authenticity and context of the video are yet to be fully ascertained, the Nigerian Army wishes to assure the general public and all personnel that the matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. 

“Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a thorough and detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. In line with his commitment to transparency and accountability, the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon conclusion.”

The COAS stressed that troops’ welfare remains his topmost priority, in line with his command philosophy, which is: ‘To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment’. 

This philosophy, he said, is further reinforced in the recently launched ‘Soldier First’ Concept, which places the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions.

“The Nigerian Army encourages personnel to utilise established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints, especially on welfare services. The use of unauthorised platforms to express grievances, particularly on operational matters, is highly discouraged and considered a breach of military ethics and discipline. The Nigerian Army reassures all its personnel and the general public that it will continue to uphold the highest standards of leadership accountability, troops’ welfare, and institutional integrity in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate,” she said. 

He added that the well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remain central to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation efforts and operational success.

NAF Cautions Applicants Against Fake Recruitment Adverts

Linus Aleke in Abuja 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has cautioned applicants against a trending fake recruitment advert for the 2025/2026 Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) and Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC). 

The Service stated that the trending advert is fake and did not emanate from the Nigerian Air Force. 

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said, “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to fraudulent messages circulating online, falsely claiming that the NAF has commenced recruitment for the 2025/2026 Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) and Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC). 

“The Nigerian Air Force wishes to state that no such recruitment exercise is currently ongoing. The public is therefore advised to disregard these messages in their entirety. The NAF reminded the public that its recruitment and enlistment processes are free, transparent, and merit-based.”

Ejodame explained that the NAF does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment exercise and does not engage third parties or agents for enlistment.

“Whenever a recruitment exercise is to be conducted, it will be officially announced and widely publicised through credible national dailies, the NAF official website, and its verified social media platforms. We therefore urge members of the public to be wary of online scams and exercise extreme caution when they come across unofficial recruitment advertisements,” he said.

The Nigerian Air Force, he said, is committed to integrity, transparency, and efficient service delivery to the nation, while projecting air power to save lives and properties of all Nigerians.