NATIONWIDE OPERATIONS: Troops Kill Scores of Terrorists, Rescue 318 Hostages, Foil N217m Oil Theft in One Month
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says its troops have intensified nationwide counter-terrorism and security operations, killing scores of terrorists and bandits, arresting several others, and rescuing 318 kidnapped victims between November 28 and December 4, 2025.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the press briefing on military operations across all theatres nationwide.
Onoja said the operations also resulted in the surrender of more than 69 terrorists and their family members, alongside the recovery of arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and the destruction of multiple criminal enclaves across the country.
According to him, troops disrupted multi-million-naira crude oil theft and illegal refining networks in the Niger Delta, foiling illegal oil deals estimated at ₦217,664,618, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated during the period under review.
“Nigeria is confronted with a range of security challenges spanning terrorism, banditry, separatist criminality, piracy and oil theft,” Onoja said. “Despite these threats, the Armed Forces, working with the police and other security agencies, have sustained intensive operations on all fronts with significant results recorded.”
While giving the breakdown, he said troops of Operation HADIN KAI in North East, region, backed by air strikes and local security groups, conducted aggressive clearance operations in Mafa, Bama, Chibok, Konduga and other locations in Borno and Adamawa States. Several ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters were killed, six informants arrested, and hostages rescued. Multiple arms caches were also seized.
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He said that in the North-Central region, Operation ENDURING PEACE & WHIRL STROKE, through combined efforts in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kogi States, resulted in the neutralisation of extremists, arrest of 36 suspects, and the rescue of 24 kidnapped victims. The troops also dismantled extremist logistics structures.
In South-South of Operation DELTA SAFE, troops foiled a series of oil theft operations worth over ₦12 million and destroyed illegal refining sites across Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States, while arresting 25 suspects linked to crude oil theft and other crimes.
In offensive operations in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, and Cross River States, troops in the South-East region of Operation UDO KA led to the neutralisation of terrorists, the arrest of four suspects, and the rescue of four kidnap victims. Air interdiction missions destroyed camps in Ezeagu, Enugu State.
General Onoja commended the bravery of troops and appealed for more public cooperation through timely intelligence to support ongoing operations.
“Our resolve to confront and defeat criminal elements remains unwavering. We will continue to enhance our operational tempo until peace is returned to all troubled areas,” he said.
He encouraged citizens to support veterans and the Armed Forces Remembrance emblem launched by President Bola Tinubu.
The Defence Headquarters reassured Nigerians that the military is deploying all available resources to rescue the remaining students recently abducted and ensure their safe return.
By PRNigeria
