The Nigerian Armed Forces recorded significant operational successes across the country in 2025, arresting thousands of suspects, neutralising top terrorist leaders, rescuing kidnapped victims, and crippling oil theft and illegal refining activities, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed.
At a press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, presented a comprehensive overview of military operations conducted nationwide within the year, highlighting achievements, evolving threat dynamics, and the resilience of troops in the face of complex security challenges.
According to the DHQ, in 2025 alone, Nigerian troops arrested 4,375 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. Within the same period, 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered to the military, while 2,336 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued across various theatres of operation.
Major General Onoja stated that the Armed Forces remained focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting lives and property, and ensuring a secure environment for economic activities to thrive. He emphasized that operations during the year combined kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, supported by intelligence-led actions and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Neutralisation of Terrorist Kingpins
The DHQ revealed that several high-profile terrorist commanders and notorious bandit leaders were neutralised during the year. Among those eliminated were Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu). Others included bandit leaders operating under the aliases Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban, and Danja.
These successes, the military said, significantly degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist and criminal groups, forcing many fighters to surrender or flee from their enclaves.
North East: Sustained Pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP
In the North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, troops continued sustained operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. Although the groups resorted to isolated attacks and the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the military maintained dominance across the region.
During the year, troops neutralised several commanders and fighters, arrested 1,323 suspects, and received the surrender of 1,616 terrorists. Additionally, 498 kidnapped hostages were rescued, while arms, ammunition, vehicles, and equipment were recovered, alongside ₦32 million in cash. The operations facilitated the return of displaced persons, revitalised farming and trading activities, and enabled the restoration of civil authority in many communities.
North West: Counter-Terrorism and Precision Strikes
Operations in the North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA focused on countering banditry, kidnapping, and incursions by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the Lakurawa terrorist group. Troops arrested 669 suspects and rescued 966 kidnapped victims during the year.
A major highlight was the execution of precision air strikes against ISIS enclaves in the Bauni Forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, conducted in partnership with the United States. Using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, 16 GPS-guided munitions neutralised foreign and local ISIS operatives attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor. The DHQ confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded.
North Central: Combating Banditry and Arms Proliferation
In the North Central zone, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE addressed terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder clashes. Troops arrested arms traffickers, recovered weapons and ammunition, and disrupted criminal supply networks.
Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded the arrest of 802 suspects and the rescue of 217 kidnapped victims, while Operation WHIRL STROKE led to the arrest of 459 suspects and the rescue of 538 hostages. Scores of extremists were neutralised in both operations.
South South: Crushing Oil Theft Networks
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE achieved notable success against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining. Troops thwarted oil theft valued at ₦8.918 billion, recovering over 16.6 million litres of stolen crude oil and large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products, including AGO, DPK, and PMS.
The military also discovered and destroyed 503 illegal refining sites, arrested 778 criminals, neutralised several others, and rescued 53 kidnapped victims, significantly disrupting the economic lifelines of criminal groups in the region.
South East: Degrading IPOB/ESN Capabilities
In the South East, Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN). The DHQ noted a decline in criminal activities following intensified operations and recent court actions against the group’s leaders.
During the year, troops neutralised several extremists, arrested 324 suspects, and rescued 64 kidnapped victims, while recovering arms and ammunition.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets are actively monitoring terrorist movements nationwide, especially as pressure forces criminals to relocate. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals freedom of action in 2026, commending the bravery, resilience, and professionalism of Nigerian troops. He also conveyed assurances from the Chief of Defence Staff that personnel welfare remains a top priority, while saluting the sacrifices of veterans and fallen heroes.
The DHQ expressed confidence that sustained operations, enhanced partnerships, and public support will further strengthen national security in the year ahead.
