By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported significant breakthroughs in ongoing counter-terrorism and security operations across the country, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and national sovereignty.
In its weekly operational briefing for the week ending November 28, 2025, the Defence Headquarters said troops recorded major successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil thieves in multiple theatres of operation spanning the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East.
A statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, noted that the military working with other security agencies has “intensified operations guided by professionalism, respect for human rights and a determination to dismantle threats undermining national security.”
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out aggressive ground and air operations in Borno and Adamawa States, killing numerous Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and arresting 11 collaborators, informants, and logistics suppliers.
Between November 17 and 26, operations were conducted in Damboa, Bama, Monguno, Magumeri, Chibok, Ngala, Gwoza and Abadam in Borno State, as well as Michika and Song LGAs in Adamawa.
Troops also rescued eight kidnapped commuters along the Gwoza Limankara road and recovered large quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles, and explosives.
The Air Component launched precision strikes on November 19 in the Sambisa general area, destroying terrorist hideouts, storage facilities and equipment.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained pressure on terrorist groups in Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger States. Several terrorists were killed, 15 suspects arrested, and 13 kidnapped victims rescued.
The Director said a major breakthrough was recorded on November 19 when troops arrested a suspected arms dealer in Bukkuyum, Zamfara State, who was allegedly negotiating the purchase of weapons for terrorists. A transaction receipt of ₦4 million was recovered from him, alongside uniforms belonging to a known criminal group.
Air interdiction missions carried out across Katsina and neighbouring states also resulted in the destruction of terrorist camps and equipment at Pauwa Hill in Kankara LGA.
Meanwhile, Troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to multiple distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing several extremists and arresting notorious criminal leaders, including Umar Idi (also known as Lere). Ten kidnapped victims were rescued.
Cash totalling ₦2.66 million and receipts amounting to ₦5.32 million were recovered from railway track vandals who attempted to bribe troops for their release.
In Operation Whirl Stroke, troops recorded further gains in Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba and Benue States, neutralising criminals, arresting 11 suspects, and rescuing nine kidnap victims.
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe disrupted large-scale crude oil theft estimated at ₦173.7 million. They recovered 105,650 litres of stolen crude and 63,820 litres of illegally refined diesel, destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, and arrested 13 suspects.
Troops also arrested a notorious cult leader, Dan Okposuogu, also known as World Wide, during operations in Rivers and Ondo States.
However, Troops under Operation UDO KA sustained operations in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra States, arresting seven criminal suspects and rescuing five kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition and bomb-making materials were recovered.
An air raid on November 18 targeted terrorist hideouts in Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, killing several fighters and destroying logistics hubs.
The Defence Headquarters praised the troops for their “bravery and resilience” and appealed to Nigerians to continue providing credible information to support military operations.
Major General Onoja assured the public that the Armed Forces will continue to enhance operational tempo until peace is fully restored to all troubled areas.
