…Bomb Insurgent Strongholds in Sambisa
The Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified their operations against terrorists across the country, killing scores of insurgents, including a notorious kingpin, and destroying key insurgent strongholds in multiple coordinated strikes.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday said troops of Operation Fasan Yamma neutralised a dreaded terrorist leader, Bello Kaura, in a precision airstrike between April 10 and 16, 2025.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this in a statement, noted that the feat was part of several coordinated operations involving troops, other security agencies, and hybrid forces across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Kangye, “Between 10 – 16 April 2025, troops conducted fighting patrols and made contact with terrorists in Anka, Tsafe, Talata Mafara, Kaura Namoda, and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State, as well as Gudu, Isa, and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State. They conducted operations in Giwa, Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Bida LGA of Niger State.
“During the encounters, many terrorists were neutralized, including an identified terrorist kingpin, Bello Kaura, in an air interdiction, arrested some of them, while 17 kidnapped victims were rescued.”
The DHQ also revealed that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled crude oil theft worth over ₦262.7 million during the same period.
Kangye said, “The breakdown indicates: 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,000 litres of DPK, and 8,060 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 18 boats, four speedboats, 56 storage tanks, 164 drums, and 42 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanized pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles.”
He assured Nigerians of the military’s continuous commitment to national defence and the protection of civilians.
“We are taking the battle to the enemy to deny them freedom of action, making them thirst for surrender,” he said.
“I wish to reiterate the untiring commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend and act in defence of our nation’s sovereignty while guaranteeing the protection of all law-abiding citizens to promote the betterment of our society.
“Our operations across all theatres remain focused, intelligence-driven, and in line with the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights,” Kangye added.
He appealed to Nigerians to continue to support military efforts. “We once again appeal that the civil populace trust us and see us as friends and partners working for the general good and well-being of the nation. We recognise the sacrifices made daily by our gallant troops, and we salute their courage and dedication.”
In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also recorded major successes against terrorists in Borno State during two separate airstrikes executed under Operation Hadin Kai.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, in a statement on Thursday, said the air interdiction missions were targeted at Kollaram and Arra—two known terrorist enclaves within the Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns.
“In a bold display of force and precision, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, executed two highly successful air interdiction missions on April 15, 2025, targeting terrorist strongholds in Borno State’s Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns,” he said.
Giving details of the first strike, Ejodame noted, “The first strike occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. in Kollaram, a known stronghold of insurgents. Intelligence reports, supported by surveillance footage, confirmed the presence of high-value terrorist commanders in the area. Several structures, some equipped with solar panels, were identified as active terrorist hubs.
“Nigerian Air Force assets carried out a precision strike on the location, eliminating several fighters and disabling key infrastructure.”
He added that the second strike took place at about 3:55 p.m. in Arra, Sambisa.
“Precision-guided munitions were employed, resulting in the effective destruction of targets and disruption of the group’s operational capabilities.
“These back-to-back missions are part of a sustained air campaign designed to erode terrorist capabilities, dismantle leadership structures, and eliminate sanctuaries across Nigeria,” he stated.
The recent onslaught marks another step in the Armed Forces’ renewed resolve to decimate terrorists and restore peace in the country.
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