By Harriet Tornguvan
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported significant operational successes by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) across all theatres of operation in 2025, including the neutralisation of top terrorist commanders, rescue of thousands of kidnapped victims, and the disruption of large-scale oil theft valued at over ₦8.9 billion.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a comprehensive end-of-year operational briefing in Abuja, highlighting the military’s sustained efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect lives and property, and strengthen national security amid evolving and complex threats.
According to the DHQ, troops conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations nationwide to counter terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities, while maintaining close collaboration with sister security agencies and strategic partners.
Top Terrorist Commanders Neutralised, Thousands Rescued within the year under review, troops neutralised several notorious terrorist and bandit commanders, including Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Auta, and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu), among others.
Overall, 4,375 suspects were arrested nationwide, while 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered. Troops also rescued 2,336 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation.
₦8.9bn Oil Theft Foiled in Niger Delta
In the South-South, troops of Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE recorded major breakthroughs against oil theft and illegal refining. The military thwarted crude oil theft valued at ₦8.92 billion, recovering over 16.6 million litres of stolen crude oil, as well as large quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Additionally, 503 illegal refining sites were uncovered and destroyed, while several suspects were arrested and weapons recovered.
Boko Haram, ISWAP Further Degraded
In the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI, the security situation remained relatively stable despite continued threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Troops neutralised top commanders and fighters, arrested 1,323 suspects, secured the surrender of 1,616 terrorists and rescued 498 kidnapped hostages.
The operations led to the destruction of terrorist camps, recovery of arms and ammunition, vehicles and ₦32 million cash, and the revitalisation of farming and commercial activities, enabling displaced persons to return to their communities.
Precision Strikes, Hundreds Rescued in the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA confronted armed bandits, terrorists and kidnappers exploiting porous borders and remote terrains. During the year, scores of terrorists were neutralised, 669 suspects arrested and 966 kidnapped victims rescued.
In a landmark operation, precision airstrikes executed in partnership with the United States targeted two major ISIS enclaves in the Bauni Forest area of Sokoto State, neutralising foreign and local operatives attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from the Sahel. Authorities confirmed no civilian casualties from the operation.
Banditry, Extremism Contained operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central zone addressed armed banditry, extremism, kidnapping and farmer-herder clashes. Troops arrested arms traffickers, recovered illicit weapons and neutralised extremists across Benue, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded 802 arrests and rescued 217 kidnapped victims, while Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 459 suspects and rescued 538 hostages during the year.
IPOB/ESN Activities Decline, in the South-East, intensified operations under Operation UDO KA significantly curtailed the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN). The DHQ noted a decline in attacks following sustained military pressure and recent court rulings against key figures.
Troops neutralised several extremists, arrested 324 suspects, rescued at least 64 kidnapped persons and recovered arms and ammunition.
The DHQ acknowledged intelligence reports of terrorists relocating in response to sustained military pressure, assuring Nigerians that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets are actively tracking such movements. Communities were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed that the successes recorded in 2025 reflect the resilience, professionalism and sacrifice of Nigerian troops, adding that personnel welfare remains a top priority as operations intensify in 2026.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in denying terrorists, bandits and criminals freedom of action. Nigerians can be assured of our unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property and national sovereignty,” he said.
Major General Onoja also paid tribute to fallen heroes and veterans as part of Armed Forces Remembrance activities.
