By Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s Armed Forces closed the second half of December with guns hot, intelligence flowing and pressure mounting on criminal networks across every theatre of operation North to South, land to creeks, forests to highways.
In its weekly operational briefing covering 12–22 December 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) painted a picture of a military operating at sustained high tempo, determined to deny terrorists, kidnappers and economic saboteurs any breathing space as the country moves into the festive season.
Speaking for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), said December had been marked by coordinated, intelligence-led joint operations aimed squarely at protecting lives, property and national infrastructure.
“Across all theatres, troops have disrupted hostile elements, recovered arms and ammunition, rescued abducted persons and restored relative calm to several affected communities,” Onoja said.
“We will maintain a strong presence throughout the festive period to ensure the safety of citizens and critical assets nationwide.”
He stressed that operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders, under strict rules of engagement and respect for human rights, an approach, he said, that has earned public cooperation and boosted operational effectiveness.
The numbers underline the intensity of the push.
Troops recovered automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, IED-making materials, and large caches of live ammunition evidence, the military says, of disrupted supply chains feeding criminal violence.
From there, the briefing moved theatre by theatre, revealing how pressure was applied on multiple fronts.
North East:
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS, denying them freedom of action.
One moment stood out: an attempted ISWAP assault on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
Both were detected and neutralised before reaching the base.
“The failed attack resulted in multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition and logistics,” Onoja said.
Recovered items ranged from AK-47 rifles and grenades to motorcycles, communication devices, medical supplies and combat gear.
Troops also safely detonated an IED along the Damboa–Komala axis, reopening the route to civilian traffic.
In a separate intelligence operation, soldiers intercepted a Lagos-registered vehicle on the Maiduguri–Bama Road, allegedly carrying logistics for terrorists.
Two suspects were arrested.
Seven collaborators, informants and spies were also picked up, while three kidnapped victims were rescued.
Several terrorist camps were destroyed, paving the way for safer resettlement of displaced persons.
North West:
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops engaged terrorists across Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Niger States.
Between 12 and 17 December, firefights led to the naturalization of several terrorists, the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of four kidnapped victims.
Weapons, vehicles, livestock and household items were recovered.
One arrest revealed the economics of kidnapping.
At Kadage in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, troops intercepted two passengers carrying ₦9 million.
Interrogation showed the money was intended as ransom for the release of six adopted children.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators behind the abduction,” Onoja disclosed.
North Central:
In the North Central, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls across Plateau and Kaduna States, neutralising terrorists, arresting 16 criminals and rescuing 19 kidnapped victims.
Meanwhile, Operation WHIRL STROKE extended pressure across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi and Kwara States.
Raids on kidnappers’ hideouts resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 43 victims, alongside the recovery of arms, ammunition and motorcycles.
A notable intelligence success followed on 11 December, when troops arrested two impostors impersonating the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in Ovia South West LGA of Edo State.
South-South:
In the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE targeted economic sabotage. Troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦15.6 million, recovering 65,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,510 litres of AGO and 2,015 litres of PMS.
They also destroyed three illegal refining sites and arrested five oil thieves.
Further operations across Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta States led to the arrest of nine suspects, including three gunrunners found with arms and ammunition.
South East:
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted targeted operations against IPOB/ESN elements, arresting four suspects in Ihiala, Ogbaru and Onitsha North LGAs of Anambra State.
Looking ahead, the DHQ reaffirmed its resolve to sustain momentum and adapt to emerging threats, particularly following the state of emergency declared by the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“This is a time for collective responsibility and solidarity,” Onoja said, urging individuals, businesses and civil society to support security initiatives.
In his closing remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, speaking through the DHQ, commended troops for the successful rescue of the remaining students of St Mary School, Papiri, Niger State, describing it as proof of the AFN’s commitment to protecting innocent lives.
The CDS also paid tribute to military veterans, whose sacrifices, leadership and reforms laid the foundation of today’s Armed Forces.
“Their legacy lives on in our doctrine, our discipline and our service-before-self ethos,” the statement noted.
As the current generation carries that torch forward, the message from Defence Headquarters is clear: the pressure will not ease, the operations will continue, and the battle for Nigeria’s security will be fought decisively on every front.
