Troops of Nigeria’s Armed Forces have stepped up their nationwide operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves, killing numerous criminals, arresting 53 suspects, and rescuing 36 kidnapped victims in major missions carried out between November 17 and 26, 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this update in Abuja on Friday, highlighting the successes achieved across all operational theatres.
In addition to neutralising criminals, Onoja revealed that troops dismantled 11 illegal oil refineries, thwarted oil theft valued at over N173 million, and seized N11.9 million in logistics materials and cash from terrorist collaborators.
North East: Boko Haram and ISWAP Face Heavy Losses
Troops under Operation Hadin Kai continued to confront Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters across Borno and Adamawa states, with operations in Damboa, Bama, Monguno, Magumeri, Chibok, Ngala, Gwoza, Askira Uba, Abadam, Michika, and Song.
Eleven terrorist collaborators were arrested, while eight kidnapped commuters were freed along the Gwoza–Limankara road. Weapons, vehicles, and ammunition were recovered during the operations.
On November 19, air interdiction strikes in the Sambisa axis destroyed terrorist storage facilities and killed several fighters.
North West: Arms Supplier Arrested, Camps Destroyed
Operation Fnsan Yamma achieved notable breakthroughs in Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Niger states. Dozens of terrorists were killed, 15 suspects arrested, and 13 kidnapping victims rescued.
A key success was the arrest of a terrorist logistics supplier in Bukkuyum, Zamfara State, whose records indicated N4 million in arms procurement transactions. Weapons and uniforms belonging to a major terrorist group were recovered.
Air strikes on Pauwa Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina, on November 20 destroyed terrorist camps and killed numerous fighters.
North Central: Kidnappers and Extremists Crushed
Troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna states, killing extremists and arresting notorious gang leader Umar Idi (alias Lere) and nine others. Ten kidnapped victims were rescued, and recovered items included weapons, motorcycles, vehicles, N2.6 million in cash, and rail vandalism bribery receipts totaling N5.3 million.
Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke troops neutralised armed criminals and freed nine kidnapped victims across Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Benue states. Eleven suspects were arrested, and weapons and livestock recovered.
Niger Delta: Oil Thieves Hit Hard
Operation Delta Safe intercepted 105,650 litres of stolen crude oil and 63,820 litres of illegally refined AGO, valued at over N173.7 million. Thirteen suspects were arrested, while 11 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed.
Troops also apprehended wanted cult leader Dan Okposuogu (alias World Wide) and six others in Rivers and Ondo states, rescuing three kidnapped victims.
South East: Camps Raided, Victims Freed
Operation Udoka sustained raids across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Anambra states, arresting seven suspects and rescuing five kidnapped victims. Arms, vehicles, and materials for making improvised explosive devices were recovered.
On November 18, an air strike destroyed a terrorist hideout in Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, killing several fighters and destroying their logistics infrastructure.
Military Calls for Public Support
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace nationwide, Major General Onoja urged citizens to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
He commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, assuring that operational tempo will remain high in response to emerging threats.
“The military will not relent until peace is fully restored to all troubled areas,” he said.
