The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have sustained intense nationwide operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil thieves, recording significant successes across all theatres between 3 and 12 December 2025.
In a press statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops neutralised scores of criminals, arrested dozens of suspects, rescued multiple kidnapped victims and recovered large caches of arms and ammunition during coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
According to him, troops recovered automatic weapons, machine guns, RPG tubes, locally fabricated arms, IED-making materials, live cartridges and assorted ammunition, while several criminal camps and logistics networks were dismantled.
SpyeTV News reports according to the military press statement that under Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, troops in collaboration with air and hybrid forces denied Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action across Borno and Adamawa States. Operations in Bama, Gwoza, Gujba, Biu, Maiduguri, Maiha and Michika led to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of 22 collaborators and rescue of 15 kidnapped victims. Air reconnaissance missions provided critical intelligence that enabled ground troops to destroy terrorist camps and recover weapons, vehicles and motorcycles.
In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma recorded sustained operational tempo across Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kano States. Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 18 suspects and rescued 10 kidnapped victims. Notably, a wanted terrorist’s medical doctor and an arms dealer were arrested in Sokoto State, disrupting terrorist support networks. Air reconnaissance further enhanced troop effectiveness in identified hotspots.
Under Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke, troops responded to distress calls and conducted offensive operations in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara States and the FCT. Several extremists were neutralised, over 20 suspects arrested and more than 20 kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered weapons, logistics supplies and over ₦6.6 million from kidnappers and their collaborators.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe foiled crude oil theft valued at over ₦15.6 million, destroying seven illegal refining sites and arresting 29 oil thieves. An additional 39 suspects were arrested across Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, while arms and ammunition were recovered and a kidnapped victim rescued.
Operation Udo Ka recorded major gains with raids on kidnappers’ hideouts and illegal weapon fabrication workshops in Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Benue and Cross River States. Troops rescued 15 kidnapped victims, recovered arms and weapon-servicing tools, and handed over 11 illegal immigrants to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to rescuing the remaining abducted children of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State, and other captives nationwide. He urged the public and media to avoid speculation and support ongoing operations with credible information.
“The successes recorded are a testament to the resilience, bravery and professionalism of our troops,” he said, assuring Nigerians that the AFN will continue to deny all criminal elements freedom of action and provide a secure environment for national stability and economic growth.
