By Joy Odor Abuja
Nigeria’s Armed Forces have unleashed one of their most expansive nationwide offensives in recent months, rolling out simultaneous operations across all six geopolitical zones and dealing heavy blows to terror networks, bandits, gunrunners, and oil thieves between 3 and 14 November 2025.
In a sweeping operational update issued by Major General Olatokunbo Bello, the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), the military declared major wins scores of terrorists neutralised, over 100 suspects arrested, dozens of kidnapped victims rescued, and large caches of weapons recovered, signalling a renewed push to reclaim volatile communities and dismantle criminal supply chains.
NORTH-EAST: Hadin Kai Troops Cripple Terror Mobility
The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements, denying them freedom of movement and operational capacity across Borno and Adamawa States.
Ground troops, backed by air assets and hybrid forces, launched coordinated assaults in Monguno, Gwoza, Bama, Nganzai, Damboa, Chibok, Biu, and parts of Mubi South and Hong.
The results were decisive:
Several terrorists killed in sustained firefights
45 collaborators, informants, and logistics operatives arrested
Kidnapped victim rescued
Terror camps flattened, vehicles and weapons seized
Military authorities say the success has further enabled IDP resettlement and reopened farming corridors long held hostage by insurgents.
NORTH-WEST: Fanṣan Yamma
Forces Break Bandit Circuits
Across Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano, the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fanṣan Yamma (OPFY), delivered a blistering offensive.
Between 3 and 13 November:
Multiple terrorists neutralised
2 arrested
13 kidnap victims rescued
Seizure of weapons, motorcycles, livestock, and logistics stockpiles
Operations spanned notorious hotbeds—Tangaza, Sabon Birni, Maradun, Tsafe, Funtua, Danmusa, Sakaba, signalling renewed dominance in long-contested territories.
NORTH-CENTRAL: Enduring Peace
Troops Capture High-Value Target
Across Plateau and Kaduna States, Operation Enduring Peace units responded to a wave of distress calls, engaging extremists in fierce battles across Bassa, Riyom, Jos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Kaura, Sanga, and Zangon Kataf.
The operation yielded:
Extremists killed
16 suspects arrested
5 kidnapped victims freed
Arms, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles seized
A major breakthrough emerged on 9 November with the arrest of notorious suspect Ibrahim Wakili, long on the military’s watchlist.
He was captured in Ungwan Gora, Sanga LGA, alongside a cache of weapons now in military custody.
NORTH-CENTRAL: Whirl Stroke
Dismantles Kidnap Rings
In what officials describe as “a sweeping clean-up,” Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) recorded strong gains across Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba.
Key outcomes include:
Criminals neutralised
10 arrested
48 kidnapped victims rescued, one of the week’s highest tallies
Recovery of arms, vehicles, ammunition, and livestock
Additionally, targeted strikes in Wamba and Doma (4–5 November) led to the arrest of two gunrunners and two extremist collaborators, disrupting supply pipelines to armed groups.
SOUTH-SOUTH: Delta Safe Crushes Illegal Refining Empire
Troops in the Niger Delta cracked down hard on crude oil theft, shutting down operations valued at ₦15.89 million.
Confiscations include:
12,600 litres of stolen crude oil
3,287 litres of AGO
Destruction of 23 crude ovens, 14 dugout pits, 16 boats, 12 storage tanks, and 6 illegal refining sites
Five suspects were arrested.
Additional raids in Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, Sapele, and Aniocha North netted four more criminals.
SOUTH-EAST: Udo Ka Troops Sustain Pressure on Separatist Cells
Between 3 and 13 November, Operation Udo Ka extended its offensive drive across Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
The results:
One terrorist killed
Seven criminal suspects arrested
The Defence Headquarters described the operations as part of a broader push to suppress armed groups destabilising the region.
DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS: “Momentum Will Not Slow”
Major General Olatokunbo Bello, Director of Defence Media Operations, urged the media to intensify public awareness of the military’s successes.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment, stating that the operations represent “a sustained effort to neutralise threats, restore peace, and protect every inch of Nigerian territory.”
