The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrest of a Chinese national and five other suspected terrorist collaborators during a series of coordinated military operations conducted between June 5 and 7, 2025.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this development at a press briefing today in Abuja.
According to Kangye, the Chinese national, who claimed to be a miner, was apprehended under suspicious circumstances near an area notorious for terrorist activity.
He revealed that the operations were carried out in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State and Geidam LGA of Yobe State.
“Security forces are currently investigating how he arrived at the location and whether he has any accomplices,” the Major General said, adding that more details will be available following the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
“Items recovered from the suspects include a vehicle, motorcycle, several mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and ₦10,000 in cash. The arrest underscores intensified efforts by the military to dismantle terrorist logistics and support networks across Nigeria’s northeast.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled attempts to steal oil products valued at ₦146,614,380. According to him the seizure includes: 142,960 litres of stolen crude oil, 39,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 29,500 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK)
In addition, troops destroyed 73 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 19 boats, 51 storage tanks, 28 drums, and 21 illegal refining sites. Items such as outboard engines, pipes, pumping machines, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and 12 vehicles were also recovered.
Highlighting further successes in the Northeast Operations, Major General Kangye stated that troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with other security agencies and hybrid forces, conducted offensive missions in Gwoza, Ngala, and Marte LGAs of Borno State as well as Bade and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.
According to him, during these operations several terrorists were neutralized, One drug peddler was arrested, three kidnapped victims were rescued while several arms, ammunition, IEDs and components, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered
“A terrorist camp and related equipment were also destroyed. Additionally, several terroristsincluding men, women, and children voluntarily surrendered to troops as military pressure intensified.
In the Northwest, “troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged terrorists during patrols in Shinkafi, Maru, Tsafe, and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State; Tangaza and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State; and Dan-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. Key highlights of the operations include: Neutralization of multiple terrorists, Rescue of two kidnapped victims, Recovery of arms, ammunition, and motorcycles
“Operations extended to Malumfashi, Sabuwa, and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State; Tangaza, Sabon Birni, and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State; and Kaduna North and Danko-Wasagu LGAs of Kaduna and Kebbi States. During these missions, four additional kidnap victims were rescued and several terrorists were killed.
“In the Southeast, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive actions from June 8 to 10, making contact with extremists in Aguta and Effium Ohaukwu LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States. The encounter resulted in one extremist killed, two arrested, recovery of weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle.
“Between June 6 and 9, troops also arrested eight suspected extremists in Isuikwuato (Abia State) and Aguta (Anambra State), recovering weapons, a stolen vehicle, and a laptop.
He however, reaffirmed the DHQ commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and criminal syndicates nationwide, urging continued public support and cooperation in the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security.
