Defence Headquarters has announced significant progress in ongoing nationwide military operations, revealing that troops across all theatres rescued over 318 kidnapped victims in November alone, over 69 terrorists and their family members surrendered, seized 201,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, valued at ₦217.6 million, and deactivated 16 illegal refining sites.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Thursday, 4th December 2025, during the bi-monthly press briefing held in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria continues to face a range of security threats across different regions—including terrorism in the North East, banditry in the North West and North Central, separatist violence in the South East, and oil-related criminality in the South-South and Niger Delta. Despite the complex challenges, he said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remain resolute and fully committed to restoring peace across the country.
General Onoja noted that troops, working with the Police and other security agencies, intensified clearance missions, intelligence-driven operations, air interdictions, and maritime patrols, leading to remarkable operational successes.
NORTH EAST – OPERATION HADIN KAI
Operations in Borno and Adamawa States continued to place immense pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. Between 27 November and 3 December, troops conducted coordinated ground and air assaults across Mafa, Ngala, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba, and Chibok LGAs.
Several terrorists were neutralised, six collaborators and informants arrested, and five kidnapped persons rescued. Significant quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles were recovered, with multiple hideouts dismantled.
The Air Component also provided multiple close air support missions around Dikwa, New Marte, and Gajibo, further degrading terrorist capabilities.
NORTH WEST – OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops recorded major breakthroughs in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi States. Several bandits were neutralised, 13 suspects arrested, and nine kidnap victims rescued.
Air interdiction strikes on bandit enclaves in Kankara and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State resulted in the destruction of camps and logistics stores, with scores of fighters eliminated.
NORTH CENTRAL – OPERATIONS ENDURING PEACE & WHIRL STROKE
In Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, security forces maintained high-tempo operations, responding to distress calls and conducting offensive missions against extremists and armed gangs.
From 27–29 November, troops neutralised several criminals, arrested 16 others, and rescued 10 kidnap victims. Additional operations saw 20 suspects arrested and six more victims freed in Benue and Taraba States.
Troops also executed successful raids in parts of Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory, recovering various arms and ammunition.
SOUTH-SOUTH – OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States continued their crackdown on oil theft networks. Within one week, the military foiled oil theft valued at ₦12.1 million, destroyed four illegal refineries, and arrested 25 suspects.
SOUTH EAST – OPERATION UDO KA
Security forces sustained offensive operations in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, and Cross River States, neutralising several armed separatists and criminal elements.
Four suspects were arrested and four kidnap victims rescued. The Air Component also conducted targeted strikes in Ezeagu LGA, eliminating multiple fighters and destroying terrorist logistics camps.
General Onoja commended the bravery and professionalism of troops across all theatres, urging them to sustain the momentum. He appealed for continued public cooperation through the sharing of credible information.
He also encouraged Nigerians to support military veterans by purchasing the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by President Bola Tinubu on 2 December 2025.
The DMO Director reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to rescuing all remaining abducted students, assuring that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure their safe return.
“WE WILL NOT RELENT” — DHQ
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is dedicated to operating within the ambit of the law, enhancing operational tempo, and ensuring peace returns to every troubled area,” General Onoja said.
He concluded by expressing confidence that with sustained efforts, inter-agency collaboration, and public support, the country will overcome its security challenges.
