By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified counterterrorism and anti-crime operations across all six geo-political zones of the country, recording sweeping gains in the ongoing push to degrade terrorist groups, armed bandits, oil thieves and other violent actors. An official statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Olatokunbo Bello, revealed that troops recovered a wide range of sophisticated and locally fabricated weapons, including automatic rifles, RPG tubes, machine guns, improvised explosive device-making materials, live cartridges and assorted ammunition.
According to the statement, the combined efforts of land, air and maritime components working in synergy with hybrid forces and local security groups continued to deny criminal groups freedom of action, disrupt their supply chains, arrest their facilitators and secure communities affected by insecurity. The operations reflected a renewed momentum across all theatres, with significant outcomes in the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East within the period under review.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained persistent pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists through a series of kinetic and non-kinetic actions conducted between 3 and 12 November 2025 in Monguno, Gwoza, Bama, Nganzai, Damboa, Chibok and Biu LGAs of Borno State, and in Mubi South and Hong LGAs of Adamawa State. Several terrorists were killed in action, while 45 of their collaborators, informants, sympathizers and spies were arrested. Troops also rescued a kidnapped victim, recovered weapons, ammunition and vehicles, and destroyed several terrorist hideouts. These operations further enabled the safe return of displaced persons and guaranteed access to farms across liberated communities.
The North West theatre under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded similar momentum, with troops launching coordinated offensive operations in Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Kano States. From 3 to 13 November 2025, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested two suspects and rescued 13 kidnapped victims during engagements in Tangaza, Sabon Birni, Goronyo and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State; Maradun, Tsafe, Talata Mafara and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State; Borgu, Kontagora, Magama and Mariga LGAs of Niger State; Funtua, Danmusa and Bakori LGAs of Katsina State; and Sakaba and Shanono LGAs of Kebbi and Kano States. Troops recovered weapons, vehicles, livestock and household items from fleeing criminals.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to multiple distress calls and executed offensive operations across Plateau and Kaduna States between 3 and 13 November 2025. The operations, which covered Bassa, Riyom, Jos, Barkin Ladi, Jos North and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kaura, Sanga and Zangon Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State, resulted in the killing of several extremists, the arrest of 16 others and the rescue of five kidnapped victims. Troops recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles. A major breakthrough during the week was the arrest of a notorious suspect, Ibrahim Wakili, on 9 November 2025 at Ungwan Gora in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. He had long been on the watchlist and was found in possession of arms and ammunition.
Further gains were recorded under Operation Whirl Stroke, which intensified operations across Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States. Between 3 and 13 November 2025, troops killed several criminals, arrested 10 suspects and rescued 48 kidnapped victims. They also recovered arms, ammunition, livestock and vehicles. In a related anti-gunrunning operation, troops operating in Wamba and Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State arrested two gunrunners and two extremist collaborators between 4 and 5 November 2025, recovering additional weapons.
In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal refining networks and foiled large-scale oil theft valued at N15,893,579. The operation led to the recovery of 12,600 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,287 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops destroyed 23 crude oil cooking ovens, 14 dugout pits, 16 boats, 12 storage tanks and six illegal refining sites. Five suspects were arrested and arms and ammunition were seized. Additional operations in Ogbia and Southern Ijaw LGAs of Bayelsa State, and in Sapele and Aniocha North LGAs of Delta State, resulted in the arrest of four more criminals.
In the South East, troops of Operation Udo Ka sustained an aggressive offensive posture during the same reporting period, carrying out coordinated strikes in Njaba and Ezeagu LGAs of Imo and Enugu States, as well as in Obolo and Akpabuyo LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. The operations culminated in the killing of one terrorist and the arrest of seven criminal elements.
Major General Bello reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain committed to sustaining operational pressure across all theatres until all criminal networks are dismantled. He praised the resilience of troops and reiterated that the safety and security of Nigerians remain the top priority of the military.
