Defence Headquarters in Abuja has cautioned communities in states of the North against entering peace deals with bandits, kidnappers and other criminal gangs to provide them security, describing such deals as empty and capable of undermining ongoing military operations to rid the country of such miscreants.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who handed the warning said that though the military was not aware of such agreements and would never support such, the nation’s armed forces has sufficient skill, will and wherewithal to effectively defend citizens and the nation’s territorial integrity.
Major General Markus Kandye stated this while fielding reporters’ questions at the regular bi-weekly briefing on Thursday in Abuja of defence correspondents on ongoing military operations at the various theatres across the country.
Wondering why some communities could so despair in their faith and confidence in the armed forces of Nigeria to resort to empty and fatally-flawed peace deals or hollow agreements with armed groups imposing huge levies, he maintained that there was no need for such if it ever existed.
There had been unconfirmed reports that unidentified community leaders in Jibia, Batsari and Safana local government areas of Katsina State had in early March this year signed peace agreements with some known bandit kingpins terrorising their villages.
Major Gen. Kangye dismissed the notion outright that military supported such peace deals and would never in any circumstance.
“To the best of our knowledge, we have never had any peace deal with bandits as mentioned. Why do communities want to do that? I don’t think they want to seek approval from the military to do so. And for the military, I don’t think they are aware of that”.
Meanwhile, the armed forces, he said, had courageously intensified ongoing onslaught against bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and criminals across the country as troops, in the last ten days, gallantly neutralized over 200 terrorists, arrested 221 suspects and rescued 251 kidnap victims.
Highlighting the significant achievements recorded by the military between March 10 and 20, 2025, he said that troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces and other security agencies, executed targeted raids, ambushes, clearance missions, and search-and-rescue operations, delivering heavy blows to criminal networks.
For example, in the Northeast, troops in Borno and Yobe States took the battle to ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists leading to mass surrenders of fighters along with their families.
Specifically, in offensive strikes across Gwoza, Dikwa, Chibok, and Bama, troops neutralized several terrorists, rescued hostages, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition. No fewer than fourteen terrorist collaborators were arrested with incriminating materials, including IED components and large quantities of fuel meant for insurgents. The military also handed over 75 rescued persons, including women and children, to the Borno State Government.
In the Northwest, troops successfully ambushed terrorists and dismantled their hideouts in Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States. A top terrorist commander, Babangida, was eliminated in a raid on the notorious Dan Sa’adi enclave in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State. Security forces also arrested wanted terrorists and a known gunrunner, Shehu Bagiwaye, in Zamfara and Sokoto States, seizing several AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and motorcycles.
Troops in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue States recorded notable successes in counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts. A notorious gunrunner, Mr. Sengi David, was arrested with a stockpile of ammunition in Plateau. In Benue and Nasarawa, security forces neutralized violent extremists, including gang leaders known as “Jagaban” and “Dan Danger,” recovered weapons, motorcycles, and charms.
The battle against oil robbery in the South-South also recorded major breakthroughs as troops foiled illegal refining activities valued at over ₦461 million. Security forces recovered 247,629 liters of stolen crude oil and 198,374 liters of illegally refined diesel, while destroying 21 illegal refining sites, 36 cooking ovens, and 33 storage tanks. Seventeen oil thieves were arrested, and arms, ammunition, and vehicles were seized.
In the Southeast, troops engaged IPOB/ESN fighters in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States, neutralizing several operatives and arresting others. Security forces also dismantled terrorist camps and recovered weapons, IEDs, and ammunition. In joint operations with the NDLEA, multiple arrests were made in Enugu and Anambra States.
Major General Markus Kangye used the briefing to reaffirm the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in line with its constitutional responsibilities, promising sustained pressure against criminal elements nationwide. He gave assurance that the current high momentum of operations would be sustained and increased, stating that the armed forces remained resolute in its mission to combat fear, eliminate threats and restore peace across the country.
