By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified nationwide security operations with major breakthroughs recorded across all theatres as troops continue to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other emerging threats to national stability. The military reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, noting that all operations are being conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies and guided by professionalism, intelligence and strict respect for human rights.
In an official statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Defence Headquarters announced that troops across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East theatres achieved substantial operational successes, recovering large quantities of arms, ammunition and military equipment, destroying criminal enclaves, arresting collaborators and rescuing several kidnapped victims. The operations, which cut across Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS) and Operation UDO KA (OPUK), were conducted between 17 and 26 November 2025.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements across Damboa, Bama, Monguno, Magumeri, Chibok, Ngala, Gwoza, Askira Uba and Abadam LGAs of Borno State, as well as Michika and Song LGAs of Adamawa State. Supported by the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 11 collaborators, informants and spies, rescued eight kidnapped commuters along the Gwoza–Limankara axis and recovered weapons, ammunition, vehicles and other items. On 19 November, following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance reports, the Air Component conducted precision airstrikes within the Sambisa axis, deploying rockets and bombs in successive passes that eliminated additional terrorists and destroyed their storage facilities.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained high-tempo operations across Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina and parts of Niger State. Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 15 others and rescued 13 kidnapped victims while recovering weapons, vehicles, livestock and stolen household items. A major operational feat was recorded on 19 November in Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State where troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier and arms dealer linked to a terrorist group. He was intercepted with evidence of a N4 million arms transaction and materials linking him to the procurement of weapons and uniforms. The Air Component also conducted reconnaissance missions across Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto States, culminating in an air interdiction on 20 November at Pauwa Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State where coordinated strikes neutralised scores of terrorists and destroyed their camps and equipment.
In Plateau and Kaduna States, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to multiple distress calls between 17 and 26 November, killing armed extremists and arresting a notorious kingpin, Umar Idi (alias Lere), along with nine accomplices. Ten kidnapped victims were rescued while weapons, vehicles, motorcycles and ammunition were recovered. Troops also recovered N2,668,000 cash and transaction receipts totalling N5,320,000 from rail track vandals who attempted to bribe their way out of arrest.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also recorded notable gains across Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba and Benue States, where several criminals were neutralised, 11 suspects arrested and nine kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, ammunition, livestock and vehicles were recovered during these operations.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE disrupted multiple oil theft networks valued at N173,757,440, intercepting 105,650 litres of stolen crude oil and 63,820 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, arrested 13 suspected oil thieves and recovered assorted arms. Additional operations in Rivers and Ondo States between 17 and 22 November led to the arrest of a notorious cultist, Dan Okposuogu (alias World Wide), along with six other suspects, while three kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA maintained an aggressive stance across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra States, arresting seven criminals, rescuing five kidnapped victims and recovering vehicles, weapons and IED-making materials. On 18 November, the Air Component struck a terrorist hideout in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State using rockets and cannons in precision strikes that destroyed the camp and neutralised several fighters.
The Defence Headquarters commended troops for their bravery and professionalism while urging them to sustain the operational tempo. Major General Onoja encouraged the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing counter-criminality efforts, emphasising that the Armed Forces remain committed to restoring peace and stability in all troubled areas of the country.
