Insecurity: Troops Capture Large Quantities of Arms, Ammunition, Others in Latest Nationwide Operations

… Reiterates commitment to rescue abducted school children and other citizens being held captive

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the recovery of large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Guns (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making materials.

Also, caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.

Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja stated this at the weekly press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the week ending from 3 – 12 December 2025

As usual, Major General Onoja in his opening remarks gave an overview of operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) from the period 3 – 12 December 2025.

According to him, “Troops of the AFN in conjunction with relevant security agencies actively engaged in series of operations designed to enhance national security, promote stability, and national interests both at home and abroad.

“AFN focus is to ensure the safety of all citizens while maintaining its duty to inform the public about the efforts and the principles guiding its actions.

“DHQ is aware of the public interest in the ongoing military operations, and we are committed to providing the public with timely and accurate information about our activities across all theatres.

“AFN collaboration with other security stakeholders are currently engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in order to combat specific threats, securing our citizens and provide secure environment for economic activities to thrive.

“Furthermore, DHQ assures that the remaining abducted children of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State and other citizens being held captive will be rescued.

“Concerted efforts are ongoing to ensure their safety and quick reunion with their families.

“The DHQ urges the public and media to avoid speculations or sharing unverified information that could undermine the ongoing rescue operations. DHQ encourages the public to share credible information that could lead to the rescue and arrest of the perpetrators of these nefarious acts.

“The DHQ appreciates the concerns of parents/loved ones and so reaffirms its commitment to safely recover all the abductees.

“This undoubtedly remains a top priority, and efforts will continue until everyone in captivity is returned to their families.

The press briefing highlight the operational successes of JTF NE OPHK, JTF NW OPFY and the JTF operations in the NC; OPEP and OPWS.

Also successes recorded by JTF SS OPDS and JTF SE OPUK was discussed.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI

In the Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the period, troops sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region. Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.

During these operations, troops neutralised several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers.

They also recovered weapons and dismantled terrorists’ networks. Their efforts paved way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons. For instance, from 3 – 10 December 2025, troops conducted operations against terrorists in Bama, Gwoza, Gujba, Biu and Maiduguri Metropolitan of Borno State.

Similar operations were conducted in Maiha and Michika LGAs of Adamawa State.

During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralized. Also, 22 of their collaborators, informants, sympathizers and spies were arrested, while 15 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Significant quantities of arms and ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles were also recovered, while their camps were destroyed. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.

Air Reconnaissance Mission. On 3 December 2025, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air reconnaissance mission around Kunshon general area of Borno State.

The mission significantly provided detailed ISR information for the ground troops which led to their operational success in the areas.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

Troops of OPFY sustained operational tempo throughout the period.

During several fire fights, significant number of terrorists were neutralised while kidnapped victims were rescued.

For instance, from 3 – 9 December 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Bakori and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State.

Troops conducted operations in Maru, Maradun, Tsafe and Gusau LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Guri LGA of Jigawa State.

Other areas covered during the week include Goronyo, Sabon Birni and Silame LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Shanga and Dandi LGAs of Kebbi State. Operations were also conducted in Kankara and Kafur LGAs of Katsina State as well as Edati, Magama and Shanono LGAs of Niger and Kano States respectively.

During these operations, several terrorists were neutralised, 18 of them were apprehended, while 10 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Weapons, vehicles, livestock and other household items were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.

Relatedly, on 3 December 2025, following intelligence reports, troops in conjunction with DSS personnel arrested a wanted terrorist’s Medical Doctor who was on transit from Sokoto to Kwara along Road Yauri – Kontagora to treat wounded terrorists.

Similarly on 5 December 2025, following intelligence reports, troops arrested a terrorist’s arms dealer in Silame LGA of Sokoto State.

Arrested terrorists are in troops custody and are currently undergoing investigations after which they will be handed over to relevant agencies for further action.

Air Reconnaissance Missions. On 3 December 2025, the Air Component of Operation FASAN YAMMA conducted air reconnaissance missions around Kakihum, Kumbashi, Yabawa and Sangeko general areas of Borno State.

The mission aided troops momentum to effectively attack terrorists in the areas.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau state responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in several sectors. For instance, between 3 – 8 December 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Barkin Ladi, Jos North, Wase and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.

They also conducted operations in Kaura, Sanga, Zangon Kataf and Jemaá LGAs of Kaduna State. During the firefights, some extremists were neutralized, 7 other criminals were arrested, while 14 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Troops recovered over Six Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N6,600,000.00) only from kidnappers and extremists’ logistics suppliers.

Weapons and other logistics supplies were also recovered. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.

JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States recorded some successes in their Area of Operational Responsibility.

Between 3 – 8 December 2025, troops conducted several offensive operations to various kidnappers’ hideouts in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State.

Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Takum, Kurmi, Ardo and Karim Lamido LGAs of Taraba state as well as Otukpo and Guma LGAs of Benue State.

During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspects kidnappers, while 5 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered from them.
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Between 3 - 9 December 2025, troops conducted operations in Koton Karfe and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Kogi State as well as Gwagwalada and Bwari Councils of the FCT. 

They also conducted operations in Edu, Kaiama and Karim Lamido LGAs of Kwara and Taraba States respectively.

During the operations, troops neutralised several extremists, arrested 7 suspects, while 5 kidnapped victims were also rescued.

Arms and ammunition were recovered from them.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE

In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers States, troops foiled oil theft worth over Fifteen Million Six Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira (N15,697,975.00) only during the week.

The breakdown indicates; 16,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,475 litres of DPK. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 7 illegal refining sites and arrested 29 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.

Relatedly, between 3 – 9 December 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and air reconnaissance in Ughelli and Warri South LGAs of Delta State as well as Yenagoa, Ogbia, Emohua and Oyigbo LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively.

Troops conducted operations in Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State as well as Calabar Municipal of Cross River State.

During the operations, troops arrested 39 suspects and rescued one kidnapped victim, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA

Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations to suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Ogbadigbio LGA of Benue State.

Troops also conducted operations in Ikang LGA of Cross Rivers State as well as Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State.

Furthermore, troops also raided suspected IPOB/ESN criminal’s local weapon fabrication workshop in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

During the operations, troops rescued 15 kidnapped victims. They recovered arms and ammunition along with different forms of weapons servicing tools.

Eleven illegal immigrants were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further action.

In conclusion, Major General Onoja noted that “troops of AFN remain committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action all over the country.

“The success of ongoing operations is a testament to the determination and resilience of our troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure the nation.

“The Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in all operations and assures Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.