The Nigerian military has achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against terrorism, with troops neutralizing a notorious terror leader, Mai Dada, in Zamfara State.
This victory came as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, vowed that criminals threatening Nigeria's peace will be crushed.
The success was part of coordinated military operations between June 25 and 26, 2025, across multiple states, according to a statement released by Defence Headquarters and signed by Maj Gen Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations.
“In Zamfara, troops of Operation Fasan Yama under 1 Brigade killed the infamous terror leader Mai Dada during a decisive counterattack in Maru Local Government Area,” Kangye announced.
The military recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition and rescued several kidnap victims in separate offensives across Borno, Kaduna, Edo, and Benue states. In Borno, troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade killed three terrorists and seized weapons. Elsewhere, the 82 Division Task Force recovered over 1,600 rounds of ammunition and RPGs in Gwoza LGA.
Kangye also confirmed the arrest of criminal suspects in Bayelsa and Plateau states. In Monguno, Borno State, troops intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected terrorist supplies including fuel, food items, and solar equipment.
The COAS, while speaking at a church service to mark the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025 in Abuja, issued a stern warning: “To all those who seek to disrupt the sanctity of our freedom and democracy, your failure is certain and your boast lacks value.”
Lt Gen Oluyede reaffirmed the Army's commitment to national security, saying, “We shall never depart from our honour. We will continue to live true to the Nigerian Army motto: Victory is from God Alone.”
He also called on Nigerians to support the military’s mission, stating that national security is a shared responsibility.
The service was part of a week-long celebration of the Army’s 162 years of service. In his sermon, Lt Col Martins Amuluche urged soldiers to stay true to their faith and maintain loyalty and integrity in service.
With this renewed momentum, the military appears set on a sustained offensive against criminal networks nationwide, sending a strong signal that Nigeria’s sovereignty will be defended at all costs.
#NigerianArmy #Zamfara #MaiDada #COAS #MilitaryNews #Terrorism #Security #OperationFasanYama