Troops Dislodge Terrorists, Neutralize Key Commanders, Others, Arrest Over 4000 of them In 2025
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has highlighted major operational achievements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the outgoing year of 2025.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations on December 31 2025 made the assertion while briefing the journalist. He provided a general overview of the efforts of the troops in conjunction with sister security agencies between January to December 2025.
According to him, “within the year, troops in conjunction with other security stakeholders neutralized several top terrorists’ commanders, their lieutenants and their foot soldiers, including; Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu).
“Others include notorious bandits with their pseudo names; Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.
“Troops also arrested Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Five (4,375) suspects, and received One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) surrendered terrorists and their family members, while Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Six (2,336) kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.
“This brief provided a comprehensive overview of the conduct, outcomes, and evolving dynamics of all ongoing military operations across the country within the year.
“It highlights operational achievements in the sustained effort to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect lives and property, and uphold national security.
“The brief also assesses the current threat environment, inter-agency collaboration, and the resilience and professionalism of troops in the face of complex and asymmetric threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and other forms of criminality.
“As the Armed Forces continues to adapt to emerging security realities, this review serves to inform strategic decision-making, enhance operational effectiveness and set clear priorities for the coming year.
“Our focus as always is, to ensure the safety of both our citizens and our personnel while maintaining our duty to inform the public about the efforts and the successes guiding our actions.
“DHQ is aware of the public interest in the ongoing military operations, and we are committed to providing you with timely and accurate information about our activities across all theatres.
“Our forces are currently engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in order to combat specific threats, securing our citizens and provide a secured environment for economic activities to thrive.
“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft valued at Eight Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Six Naira (N8,918,647,206.00).
“The breakdown includes the recovery of Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Two (16, 623,542) litres of stolen crude oil, One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Four (1,255,674) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Four Hundred and Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty Four (407,734) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and One Million, Five Hundred and Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Three (1,508,823) litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Furthermore, troops discovered and destroyed over Five Hundred and Three (503) illegal refining sites. During this briefing, I will provide an overview of the activities conducted by the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (JTF NE OPHK), Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Joint Task Force North Central Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF NC OPEP), and Joint Task Force North Central Operation WHIRL STROKE (JTF NC OPWS). After which, we will discuss the successes achieved by the Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE (JTF SS OPDS) and Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA (JTF SE OPUK) respectively.
NORTH EAST GEOPOLITICAL ZONE (OPERATION HADIN KAI)
The security situation in the North East Zone remains relatively stable, with the primary security challenge posed by Boko Haram Terrorists and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Although these terrorist groups have been significantly degraded through joint operations by the military and other security agencies, they continue to conduct remote operations, isolated attacks on civilian and military targets, and plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to hinder troop movements.
Nonetheless, the military remains vigilant and will continue to refine its Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures to effectively counter these threats.
During the year, the troops’ operational prowess led to the neutralization of top terrorist commanders, sectional and sub-lieutenant commanders, as well as scores of their foot soldiers (some of whom were mentioned in the opening remarks), One Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Three (1,323) suspects were arrested alongside their collaborators, gunrunners, sympathizers, and spies and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) terrorists surrendered to the troops, while Four Hundred and Ninety Eight (498) kidnapped hostages were rescued.
Troops also recovered various arms, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, and a cumulative sum of Thirty-Two Million Naira (N32,000,000.00) in cash.
Furthermore, several terrorist camps and hibernation areas were destroyed. These actions significantly degraded the terrorists’ fighting capabilities, compelling them to surrender in large numbers and denying them freedom of action.
Overall, troops’ efforts in the North East have revitalized commercial and agricultural activities, facilitated the return of local authorities, and enabled Internally Displaced Persons to resettle in their respective communities.
NORTH WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE (OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA)
The North-West Zone of the country faced threats from the Lakurawa terrorist group, Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, armed banditry, kidnapping, and imposition of illegal levies on the local population by these groups.
The terrorists exploited the porosity of the northern borders and the remoteness of North-West flashpoints to conduct their operations.
However, through a deep understanding of the terrorists’ modus operandi, troops implemented effective preventive measures to deter attacks on civilians and military formations in the region.
Additionally, modern warfare equipment and intelligence aids, including Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other high-caliber weapons, were integrated into our operations to enhance the troops’ combat effectiveness.
Accordingly, the operational successes recorded during the year indicate that scores of terrorists were neutralized in action, Six Hundred and Sixty Nine (669) suspects were arrested, and Nine Hundred and Sixty-Six (966) kidnapped hostages were rescued.
Troops also intercepted and recovered various arms, ammunition, equipment, and large sums of money intended for ransom payments, weapon purchases, and other illicit activities.
In furtherance of the counter-banditry efforts in the NorthWest, a reinvigorated partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States, precision strike operations were successfully executed against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
Intelligence reports had confirmed these sites as key assembly and staging points for foreign ISIS operatives infiltrating from the Sahel region, working alongside local affiliates to orchestrate large-scale attacks within Nigeria.
A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed via MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, effectively neutralizing the targeted ISIS elements attempting to reach Nigeria via the Sahel corridor.
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During the operation, debris from the munitions landed in Jabo within Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises, but no civilian casualties were reported, and authorities swiftly secured the sites.
The DHQ reaffirms its steadfast commitment to combating and eradicating terrorist threats, especially from transnational networks aiming to compromise national sovereignty and security.
This emphasizes the Armed Forces of Nigeria alignment with strategic partners and allies to promote border security, regional stability, and lasting peace. Nigerians are assured of the government’s firm grip on the national security framework, with a pledge to safeguard lives and property, while citizens are encouraged to stay calm, vigilant, and supportive as decisive measures persist against all terrorist entities.
Overall, with the deployment of additional manpower and equipment in the North-West, troops have gained momentum over terrorist flashpoints, compelling the adversaries to either relocate to other parts of the country or surrender to troops out of fear of facing a superior fighting force.
NORTH CENTRAL GEO-POLITICAL ZONE (OPERATIONS ENDURING PEACE AND WHIRL STROKE)
The North Central Zone faced several security threats, with the most prominent being armed banditry and terrorism characterized by extremism, cattle rustling, and kidnapping. Notably, there were evident footprints of terrorist activities in the zone, particularly in Kogi, Niger, and Taraba States, and more recently in Kwara State.
Additionally, farmers-herders clashes remained prevalent in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Plateau States.
The North Central region also experienced arms proliferation, which fuelled other criminal activities due to the ease of access to these arms, stemming from the preponderance of illegal arms fabrication factories in Kaduna, Kogi, and Plateau States.
During the year, troops made several arrests of arms merchants operating primarily in Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba States, and successfully recovered arms and ammunition intended for supply to armed groups in their enclaves across the zone.
Nevertheless, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE continued to dominate the zone with the appropriate posture to defeat these threats.
Overall, during the course of the year, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralized scores of terrorists and extremists, arrested Eight Hundred and Twenty-Two (802) suspects, and rescued Two Hundred and Seventeen (217) kidnapped victims from the region.
Troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition.
Likewise, in Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops neutralized scores of extremists, arrested Four Hundred and Fifty Nine (459) suspects, and rescued Five Hundred and Thirty Eight (538) kidnapped hostages. Caches of arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
SOUTH SOUTH GEO-POLITICAL ZONE (OPERATION DELTA SAFE)
The security situation in the South-South Zone has remained fluid, characterized by cultism, kidnapping, youth restiveness, and robbery.
Militancy in the region has evolved into pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
Notably, oil theft continues to provide criminals with resources to fund their operations while inflicting substantial economic losses on the nation.
Relatedly, pipeline vandalism persists in posing environmental hazards, adversely affecting the socio-economic viability of the region and the country at large.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, achieved commendable successes in curtailing the excesses of these criminals by significantly degrading their illegal bunkering activities.
During the year, the gallant troops of Operation DELTA SAFE neutralized several criminal elements, arrested Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight (778) criminals and their cohorts, and rescued Fifty-Three (53) kidnapped victims.
They foiled oil theft valued at Eight Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Six Naira (N8,918,647,206.00), representing Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Two (16,623,542) litres of crude oil, One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Four (1,255,674) litres of AGO, Four Hundred and Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty Four (407,734) litres of DPK, and One Million, Five Hundred and Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Three (1,508,823) litres of PMS.
Troops also discovered and destroyed Five Hundred and Three (503) illegal refining sites, while recovering assorted weapons and ammunition.
SOUTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE (OPERATION UDO KA)
The predominant security threats in the South East Zone remain the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Crimes and other criminal activities have significantly decreased, following troops’ intensified operations across the South Eastern States, as well as recent court rulings against their leaders: Simon Ekpa, who was jailed by the Government of the Republic of Finland, and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Abuja.
These developments have substantially degraded the groups’ capabilities.
Furthermore, the extremists preyed on lightly manned checkpoints and outposts, killing security personnel to cart away their weapons for use in terror activities.
It was also discovered that they primed and planted locally fabricated Improvised Explosive Devices around troops’ locations to inflict casualties on own forces, while fortifying their camps and enclaves with these Improvised Explosive Devices to deter troops’ entry.
However, troops uncovered the group’s strategies, leading to the deployment of additional manpower, military platforms, and combat equipment in the area.
Accordingly, troops’ operations have largely curtailed the activities of the group through a series of intelligence-based operations aimed at dislocating their influential organizers and fighters.
This approach forced the group to relocate to the hinterlands to evade the troops’ onslaught.
During the year under review, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized scores of terrorists, arrested Three Hundred and Twenty Four (324) suspects, and rescued over Sixty Four (64) kidnapped persons. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from them.
In conclusion, Major General Onoja noted that “the Defence Headquarters is acutely aware of terrorist factions relocating to some communities in response to military pressure carried out on terrorist locations.
“The purported influx of armed herders into certain communities is being viewed seriously.
“Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets are actively monitoring terrorist movements across various operational theatres.
“Several movements have been identified and are presently being tracked. Communities are urged to maintain composure, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies. Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies’ formations. The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with security agencies, have intensified proactive measures to thwart any attempts by fleeing terrorists to infiltrate or destabilize any community.
“The Defence Headquarters remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and upholding national security.
“Troops of AFN and other security stakeholders remain committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action in the country.
“The success recorded within the year in all the ongoing operations is a testament to the determination and resilience of our troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure our 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.
“Despite the risks, hardships, and time spent away from families, our troops have remained steadfast in the resolve to protect lives, property and the sovereignty of our country.
“The CDS has asked me to assure personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that their welfare remains a top priority, as we enter the new year, may they receive renewed strength, peace, and hope.
“May it also be a reminder that your service is valued, your sacrifices are recognized, and your efforts will never be in vain. Let me assure you all that this coming year 2026, the AFN and other security stakeholders will redouble efforts in the fight against terrorism and other sundry crimes.
“In line with the Armed Force Remembrance activities, the CDS on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria salutes the sacrifices of our veterans.
