Nigerian troops eliminate 5 most-wanted terrorist commanders

In a decisive strike against terrorism, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that Nigerian troops have neutralized five of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders in coordinated operations across the North West and North East regions.

The high-value targets — Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, Ali Yar Daribiyar, and Yello Dambokolo — were confirmed dead over the weekend in what the military described as a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

Speaking during a press briefing, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the operations also led to the arrest of several high-profile kidnappers and arms traffickers, many of whom were on security watchlists.

“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.“Among the notorious terrorists eliminated were despicable, notorious cultists Prince Justin Ishimiri and an extremist kingpin Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor),” he said.

According to Kangye, operations across multiple theatres in July saw troops neutralise scores of insurgents, arrest 578 suspects linked to terrorism and other violent crimes, and rescue 134 kidnapped victims. He disclosed that a terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, along with 151 fighters and their families, surrendered to troops.

Air and ground strikes targeted hotspots under Operation Fasan Yamma in Niger, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, while Operation Delta Safe intercepted oil theft valued at over ₦1.3 billion. The seizures included nearly one million litres of stolen crude oil, hundreds of thousands of litres of refined products, and the destruction of dozens of illegal refining sites.

Across various regions, security forces also intercepted extremists, cultists, and other criminal groups.“Additionally, some notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the troops’ watch list were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation,” Kangye reiterated.

Operations in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Enugu, Imo, Cross River, Taraba, and Nasarawa States led to multiple arrests, rescues, and the recovery of weapons, vehicles, and explosives.

Major Gen. Kangye stressed the military’s continued resolve:“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.“Our forces remain vigilant, ready, and resolute in facing current and emerging threats. We thank the public for their continued support and understanding as we carry out our mission with discipline, transparency, and integrity.”