How Military Air Strikes and Ground Raids Crippled Terrorist Cells in One Week
In one of its most coordinated nationwide offensives in recent months, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) combined precision air strikes, aggressive ground raids and intelligence-led operations to disrupt terrorist, bandit and criminal networks across all major theatres of operation between December 3 and 12, 2025.
A review of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) weekly operational briefing shows a sustained tempo of military pressure that led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, the arrest of their collaborators, the rescue of dozens of kidnapped victims and the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition and illicit funds.
North-East: Boko Haram, ISWAP Under Sustained Pressure
In the North-East, troops of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS factions operating in Borno and Adamawa states.
Backed by air power, hybrid forces and local security groups, ground troops conducted clearance operations in Bama, Gwoza, Gujba, Biu and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, as well as Maiha and Michika in Adamawa State. Several terrorists were neutralised, while 22 collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers were arrested. Fifteen kidnapped victims were rescued during the operations.
Crucially, air reconnaissance missions around Kunshon in Borno State provided real-time intelligence that enabled ground forces to dismantle terrorist camps, recover arms and destroy mobility assets, including vehicles and motorcycles.
North-West: Intelligence Breaks Terrorist Supply Chains
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive momentum across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Niger and Kano states.
Multiple firefights led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of 18 suspects and the rescue of 10 abducted victims. Weapons, livestock and stolen household items were recovered during the operations.
Beyond battlefield encounters, intelligence-led arrests struck at the operational lifelines of terror groups. Troops, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a medical doctor allegedly transiting from Sokoto to Kwara to treat wounded terrorists, as well as a suspected arms dealer operating in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Air reconnaissance missions further enabled troops to track and degrade terrorist movements across identified enclaves.
North-Central: Kidnappers and Extremists Dislodged
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Operations in the North-Central zone under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE recorded significant gains against kidnappers and extremist elements in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara and parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Troops neutralised extremists, arrested over 20 suspects and rescued at least 28 kidnapped victims. Notably, more than N6.6 million in cash was recovered from kidnappers and their logistics suppliers, alongside arms, ammunition and motorcycles.
The operations disrupted several kidnapping syndicates and denied criminal groups freedom of movement across key transit corridors.
South-South: Oil Theft Networks Hit Hard
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE delivered a major blow to oil theft and illegal refining networks.
Within one week, troops foiled oil theft valued at over N15.6 million, recovered 16,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,475 litres of dual purpose kerosene, and destroyed seven illegal refining sites. At least 68 suspects were arrested across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Air and ground operations in riverine and creek communities further degraded the capacity of oil thieves and criminal gangs operating in the Niger Delta.
South-East: Kidnap Camps and Arms Workshops Raided
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA carried out targeted raids on kidnappers’ hideouts in Enugu and Benue states, as well as suspected criminal enclaves in Cross River and Ebonyi states.
Fifteen kidnapped victims were rescued, while arms, ammunition and weapons-servicing tools were recovered from a suspected IPOB/ESN-linked local arms fabrication workshop in Ihiala, Anambra State. Eleven illegal immigrants arrested during the operations were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
DHQ Reaffirms Rescue Efforts for Abducted Schoolchildren
Amid the nationwide operations, the Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing the remaining abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State, and other citizens still in captivity. DHQ urged the public and the media to avoid speculation that could undermine rescue efforts, while encouraging the sharing of credible intelligence.
A Week of Integrated Warfare
The DHQ said the week’s successes underscored the effectiveness of integrated operations combining intelligence, air power and ground manoeuvres across multiple theatres.
It commended the professionalism and resilience of troops and assured Nigerians that sustained pressure would continue until terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and criminal elements are denied freedom of action nationwide..
By PRNigeria
