The Defence Headquarters announced that Nigerian security forces have eliminated five high-profile terrorist commanders during recent operations across the country.
The neutralized leaders include Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, Ali Yar Daribiyar, and Yello Dambokolo, all of whom were wanted for their roles in terrorist activities in the Northwest and Northeast regions.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the development while providing details of military operations conducted in July. He stated that troops also arrested several notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on their watchlist.
“They include Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi Ali Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (aka Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama and Isah Abdullahi as well as Abdullahi Mohammed,” Kangye said.
The operations also resulted in the elimination of dangerous criminals, including cult leader Prince Justin Ishimiri and extremist kingpin Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, also known as Bajor. These successes form part of broader military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and criminal organizations operating across Nigeria.
In July alone, troops recorded significant achievements, including the arrest of 578 suspected terrorists and criminals, as well as the rescue of 134 kidnapped victims. Notably, a terrorist commander named Ibn Ali and 151 of his fighters surrendered to security forces along with their family members, marking a major breakthrough in counterinsurgency operations.
The military also made substantial progress in combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region. Under Operation Delta Safe, troops uncovered and disrupted oil theft operations worth over N1.3 billion. During these operations, security forces destroyed 126 illegal refining ovens, 107 dugout pits, 73 refining sites, 39 boats, and 35 vehicles. They recovered 974,976 liters of stolen crude oil and arrested 285 oil thieves, dealing a significant blow to illegal oil bunkering networks.
Across different operational theaters, Nigerian forces recorded multiple successes. In the Northeast under Operation Hadin Kai, troops eliminated numerous Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists while arresting eight suspects, including a fighter suspected to be from Niger Republic. Northwest operations under Operation Fasan Yamma neutralized terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states, resulting in nine arrests and the rescue of four hostages.
In the North Central region, Operation Safe Haven troops engaged extremists in Plateau and Kaduna states, recovering weapons and vehicles while rescuing seven kidnap victims. Meanwhile, in the Southeast, Operation Udoka forces arrested two IPOB/ESN members in Enugu State, with one killed while attempting to escape. Six additional criminals were apprehended in Imo and Cross River states during related operations.
Major General Kangye emphasized the military’s unwavering commitment to national security, stating, “Every operation we undertake is guided by our unwavering commitment to national security, the safety of our personnel, and the principles we are sworn to uphold.”
He assured Nigerians of the armed forces’ continued vigilance against all threats while appreciating public support for security operations.