DHQ Takes Anti-Terror Campaign to NYSC Orientation Camp, Sensitizes Corps Members on National Security

By Anthonia N. Okwuolise.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to national security and peacebuilding, announcing significant breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism and violent crime across the country. The announcement was made during a sensitization visit to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, where hundreds of corps members gathered to engage with top military officials.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabi Musa ably represented by Group Captain I.A. Bukar addressed the gathering with an in-depth briefing on the military’s operations between January 2022 and March 2025. According to him, during this period, the Armed Forces successfully neutralized 4,919 criminals, arrested 34,983 suspects, and rescued 9,516 civilians across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Group Captain Bukar described these achievements as evidence of the military’s resilience, professionalism, and strategic coordination in addressing the nation’s complex security challenges. He emphasized that the Armed Forces remain “partners in progress, not occupiers,” and encouraged corps members to embrace patriotism, support national unity, and serve as ambassadors of peace in their communities of primary assignment.

He urged all Nigerians, particularly young people, to support the military through information sharing and cooperation with security agencies to help stem the tide of terrorism, banditry, and criminality.

Providing a comprehensive update on key operations, Group Captain Bukar revealed that in the northeast, Operation Hadin Kai played a pivotal role in reducing insurgent threats in states such as Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 1,944 terrorists, arrest of 13,566 suspects, and rescue of 3,577 civilians. It also saw the recovery of 16,988 arms and 48,485 rounds of ammunition, a development that has significantly reduced the operational strength of Boko Haram and ISWAP factions in the region.

In the northwest, Operation FANSAN YAMMA focused on combating banditry and kidnapping in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna. The operation neutralized 1,770 criminal elements, arrested 3,073 suspects, and rescued 2,515 civilians. Additionally, troops recovered 1,085 weapons and 11,678 rounds of ammunition, curbing criminal networks and protecting rural communities.

The north central zone witnessed the impact of Operation Whirl Stroke, which led to the neutralization of 704 criminals and arrest of 9,322 suspects. Troops rescued 1,960 civilians and recovered 5,635 arms from various conflict-prone zones. Bukar noted that this has helped restore relative peace in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, enabling displaced persons to return to their homes and farmlands.

In the south south, Operation Delta Safe made crucial gains in the protection of oil infrastructure and the fight against economic sabotage. The operation neutralized 137 criminals, arrested 3,545 suspects, rescued 1,012 civilians, and seized over 50,000 rounds of ammunition. It also successfully disrupted illegal refining sites and foiled oil theft attempts worth over ₦168 million, significantly safeguarding national economic interests in the Niger Delta.

In the southeast, Operation UDOKA contributed to restoring calm in areas troubled by separatist violence and criminality. Troops neutralized 352 suspects, arrested 2,203 individuals, and rescued 349 civilians. The operation also led to the recovery of 35,985 rounds of ammunition in Imo, Anambra, and Abia states.

The southwest zone, particularly Lagos and Ogun states, saw the implementation of Operation AWATSE. This operation recorded 12 neutralizations, 3,254 arrests, 103 rescues, and the recovery of nearly 79,000 rounds of ammunition. Bukar stated that the operation has played a preventive role in deterring emerging threats and criminal cells in the region.

Summing up these operations, Group Captain Bukar stated that the Armed Forces recovered a total of 26,059 arms and more than 260,000 rounds of ammunition in nationwide operations. He emphasized that these achievements demonstrate not only the capability of the military but also the importance of joint operations and civil-military cooperation in defending the nation.

He commended traditional rulers, civil society groups, youth organizations, and local vigilante groups for their ongoing support and intelligence contributions. According to him, “The war against terror cannot be won by force alone; we need unity, information, trust, and collaboration to secure lasting peace.”

The visit to the NYSC orientation camp was marked by warm interactions, and a question-and-answer session with corps members, many of whom expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of the military. Some corps members, inspired by the session, pledged to play active roles in community peacebuilding and serve Nigeria with renewed commitment.

One of the corps members, Ifeanyi O., said, “This has opened my eyes to the huge responsibility the military carries every day. I will be more conscious and patriotic in my duties.”

The sensitization event is part of a broader national campaign by the Defence Headquarters to engage the public, especially young Nigerians, in national security awareness and to foster greater understanding of the Armed Forces’ role in maintaining stability.

Group Captain Bukar concluded by reminding the corps members that national security is everyone’s responsibility, and urged them to be alert, responsible, and collaborative in their places of primary assignment.