The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide military operations against terrorists, bandits, oil thieves, kidnappers, and other criminal groups, recording significant successes between November 17 and 26, 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who released the weekly update, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and defending the nation’s sovereignty amid evolving security threats. He said troops across all theatres sustained aggressive land and air operations, neutralising criminals, arresting their collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering large caches of arms and ammunition.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, conducting coordinated ground and air offensives across several communities in Borno and Adamawa States. Scores of terrorists were killed, 11 collaborators and logistics suppliers arrested, and eight kidnapped commuters rescued along the Gwoza–Limankara Road. Troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, and vehicles, while airstrikes in the Sambisa axis on November 19 destroyed terrorist storage facilities and neutralised several fighters.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained operations across Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger States. Several terrorists were neutralised, 15 suspects arrested, and 13 kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also apprehended an arms dealer in Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State with evidence of a ₦4 million weapons transaction. Air interdictions in Kankara LGA of Katsina State further destroyed terrorist camps and equipment.
Troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North Central region responded to multiple distress calls across Plateau and Kaduna States, killing extremists and arresting over 10 criminals, including a notorious kingpin, Umar Idi, also known as Lere. Ten kidnapped victims were rescued, while troops recovered arms, vehicles, motorcycles and cash, including ₦2.6 million and receipts totalling ₦5.32 million from railway vandals who attempted to bribe soldiers.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded breakthroughs in Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba and Benue States, neutralising several criminals, arresting 11 suspects and rescuing nine kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition, livestock and vehicles were also recovered.
In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and foiled oil theft operations valued at more than ₦173.7 million. They seized over 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 63,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, arrested 13 suspected oil thieves and recovered assorted weapons. A notorious cult leader, Dan Okposuogu, also known as Worldwide, was arrested alongside six others during operations in Rivers, Andoni and Akoko North-West, where three kidnap victims were rescued.
Troops under Operation UDO KA in the South East continued offensive operations in parts of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra States, arresting seven criminals and rescuing five kidnapped victims. Weapons, vehicles and IED-making materials were also recovered. An airstrike on a terrorist camp in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State on November 18 neutralised several fighters and destroyed their logistics.
Major General Onoja commended the bravery and resilience of troops and urged them to sustain the tempo. He called on Nigerians to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations, assuring that the Armed Forces remain professional, resolute and committed to restoring peace and stability across the country.
“Every measure is being taken to ensure the safety of citizens. We will continue to enhance our operational tempo until peace is fully restored,” he said.
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