According to the Nigerian military, during operations in Benue and Plateau States, its troops have killed 13 alleged kidnappers and major bandit kingpins.  

This was revealed by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defense Media Operations, at a briefing for reporters on Thursday regarding recent military operations in several theaters of operation.  

General Kangye claims that in addition to destroying the criminal network that terrorizes the North-Central states, the forces also demolished 17 illicit refining stations in the Niger Delta and stopped an effort to steal oil worth over ?28 million.

“Troops eliminated some key terrorist commanders during firefights as well as through air bombardments. They have also arrested terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals.

“The lives of Adamu Buba and Abdulahi Karu, who have been terrorising a village in Bassa local government area of Plateau State, were taken off when two suspected gun runners were arrested in Jama’a Local government area of Kaduna State,” General Kangye stated.

He added, “Similarly, two suspected kidnappers, identified as Mohammed Sanusi and Usman Alhaji Bala, were arrested in Obajana, Lokoja area of Kogi State.

“The highlights from Operation Delta Safe during the period under review indicate that troops for 12 days brought over 545,872,819 Naira only.”

In the meantime, 13 Boko Haram insurgents were killed in a botched ambush/improvised explosive device (IED) attack on the forces' convoy near Kareto, Borno State, demonstrating once more the troops' ability to withstand enemy pressure.  

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the troops were escorting aid vehicles along the Gubio-Damasak road when the ambush failed.  Two command IEDs were set off by the terrorists during the abortive operation, which was followed by a heavy fire.

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