By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have sustained intense nationwide military operations, recording significant successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements between 3 and 12 December 2025, as troops tightened pressure across all operational theatres in the country.
In an official statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Micheal Onoja, said troops of the AFN, working in close collaboration with other security agencies, conducted coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at strengthening national security, restoring stability and protecting Nigeria’s strategic interests both within and beyond its borders.
According to him, the military’s overriding priority remains the safety of citizens, alongside its responsibility to keep Nigerians informed about ongoing operations and the principles guiding them. He noted that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) recognises the high level of public interest in military activities and remains committed to providing timely and accurate information across all theatres of operation.
Major General Onoja explained that the AFN, in synergy with other security stakeholders, continues to confront diverse security threats through sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven engagements and community-focused measures designed to create a secure environment for economic and social activities to thrive.
On the issue of abductions, the Defence Headquarters reassured Nigerians that concerted efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State, as well as other citizens currently held captive by criminal elements. He emphasised that the safe recovery and reunion of all abductees with their families remains a top priority, urging the public and the media to avoid speculation or the circulation of unverified information that could jeopardise rescue operations. The DHQ also encouraged citizens to share credible intelligence capable of aiding the rescue of victims and the arrest of perpetrators.
Across the country, troops recovered a wide array of weapons during the period under review, including automatic firearms, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated weapons and materials used for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. Large quantities of live ammunition and cartridges were also seized, further degrading the operational capacity of criminal groups.
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists, denying them freedom of movement and disrupting their networks. Ground troops, supported by air assets, hybrid forces and local security groups, carried out coordinated operations across Borno and Adamawa States. Between 3 and 10 December, operations in Bama, Gwoza, Gujba, Biu and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, as well as Maiha and Michika Local Government Areas, led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists. Twenty-two collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers were arrested, while 15 kidnapped victims were rescued. Terrorist camps were destroyed and significant quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles were recovered. The Air Component further supported ground operations with reconnaissance missions that provided critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained operational momentum across Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kano States. Offensive operations and firefights in multiple local government areas resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of 18 suspects and the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims. Weapons, vehicles, livestock and household items were recovered. In a notable intelligence-led operation, troops, working with personnel of the Department of State Services, arrested a medical doctor linked to terrorists while in transit to treat wounded fighters, as well as a suspected arms dealer in Sokoto State. Air reconnaissance missions further enhanced troop effectiveness during the period.
In the North Central zone, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded swiftly to distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna States, conducting offensive operations that led to the neutralisation of extremists, the arrest of seven suspects and the rescue of 14 kidnapped victims. The troops also recovered over ₦6.6 million from kidnappers and logistics suppliers, alongside weapons and other materials. Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara States and parts of the Federal Capital Territory. Several kidnappers were arrested, extremists neutralised and victims rescued, while arms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items were seized.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE dealt a major blow to oil theft and illegal refining activities. During the week, they foiled crude oil theft valued at over ₦15.6 million, recovering thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and refined products. Seven illegal refining sites were destroyed and dozens of suspects arrested. Additional operations across Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States led to further arrests, the recovery of arms and ammunition and the rescue of a kidnapped victim.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA carried out targeted raids on kidnappers’ hideouts and criminal enclaves across Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Cross River and parts of Benue State. The operations resulted in the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition and weapons fabrication tools. Eleven illegal immigrants were also apprehended and handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further action.
Concluding the update, Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action anywhere in the country. He described the recorded successes as a testament to the determination, professionalism and resilience of Nigerian troops, assuring citizens that the military will continue to deploy all necessary resources to safeguard lives, property and national stability.
