By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Headquarters has announced significant progress in ongoing military operations across the country for the month of November 2025, including the neutralisation and arrest of terrorists, rescue of kidnap victims, and the dismantling of criminal networks in multiple regions.
Speaking during the monthly media briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), working with other security agencies, sustained offensive actions across all theatres despite the diverse security challenges confronting the nation.
General Onoja highlighted that in November alone, “several terrorists, bandits, extremists and criminal elements were neutralised, many others arrested, while 69 fighters and their family members surrendered.” He added that 318 kidnap victims were rescued, and large quantities of arms, ammunition and logistics items were recovered.
Troops also foiled oil theft schemes valued at N217.6 million, recovering 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additionally, 16 illegal refining sites were destroyed.
OPERATION HADIN KAI (North East)
Troops intensified clearance operations across Borno and Adamawa States, targeting Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists. Between 27 November and 3 December, troops conducted coordinated assaults in Mafa, Ngala, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba, Chibok, Madagali and Song.
Scores of terrorists were neutralised; six collaborators and informants were arrested, and five kidnap victims rescued. Several camps, weapons, vehicles and motorcycles were seized or destroyed.
The Air Component conducted multiple close air support missions in Dikwa, New Marte and Gajibo, boosting ground troops’ momentum.
OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA (North West)
Operations across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi States resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of 13 suspects, and the rescue of nine kidnap victims. Troops also recovered arms, livestock, vehicles and other items.
Air interdiction missions targeted terrorist enclaves in Kankara and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State, destroying camps and logistics with confirmed terrorist casualties.
OPERATION ENDURING PEACE (North Central)
Troops responded to multiple distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna States and conducted offensive operations between 27 and 29 November. Several extremists were neutralised, 16 suspects arrested, and 10 kidnap victims rescued, with arms, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles recovered.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (North Central)
In Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kogi States as well as parts of the FCT, troops carried out cordon-and-search missions, dismantled extremist structures, and engaged criminal elements between 27 November and 3 December.
Twenty suspects were arrested, several extremists neutralised, and 20 kidnap victims rescued across the states. Weapons, vehicles and livestock were seized from criminal groups.
OPERATION DELTA SAFE (South South)
In Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo States, troops foiled oil theft amounting to over N12.1 million, recovered 11,850 litres of stolen crude oil, and 540 litres of AGO. Four illegal refining sites were destroyed, and 25 oil thieves and criminals arrested.
Offensive operations between 27 and 29 November led to further arrests, neutralisations, and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
OPERATION UDO KA (South East)
Troops maintained an aggressive posture in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River States. Several terrorists were neutralised, four suspects arrested, and four kidnap victims rescued. Troops also seized weapons, vehicles and IED-making materials.
Air interdiction missions between 28 November and 2 December targeted terrorist hideouts in Ezeagu LGA, resulting in the destruction of camps and neutralisation of fighters.
Maj Gen Onoja commended troops for their bravery and urged the public to continue providing credible information to support military operations. He also called for support for the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by the President on 2 December.
He assured Nigerians that the military is intensifying operations to address emerging security threats and is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safe rescue of the students recently abducted.
