By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s Armed Forces unleashed one of their fiercest nationwide security offensives in recent months, neutralising scores of terrorists and criminal kingpins, rescuing 318 kidnapped victims and crippling oil theft worth over ₦229 million in November 2025 alone.
The sweeping victories were unveiled by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO) on Wednesday at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja during the monthly operational briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.
From the terror-ravaged forests of the North East to the oil-soaked creeks of the Niger Delta, troops sustained unrelenting pressure on armed groups, dismantling camps, wiping out logistics bases and forcing dozens of criminals to surrender.
According to Defence Headquarters, over 69 terrorists and their family members surrendered, while several others were either killed in combat or arrested during intelligence-driven raids across multiple theatres.
North East: Boko Haram, ISWAP Pinned Down
In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai tightened the noose around Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, choking off their mobility and logistics.
Between 27 November and 3 December, coordinated ground and air operations swept through Mafa, Ngala, Ngazai, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba and Chibok in Borno State, as well as Madagali and Song LGAs in Adamawa.
Scores of terrorists were neutralised, six collaborators and informants were arrested, and five kidnap victims were freed alive. Several weapons caches, vehicles and motorcycles were seized, while terrorist camps were completely destroyed.
Air force fighter jets delivered devastating close air support at Dikwa, New Marte and Gajibo, raining rockets and bombs on ISWAP enclaves.
North West: Bandit Strongholds Bombed, Victims Freed
In the North West and parts of the North Central, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma stormed bandit corridors across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi states.
Between 27 November and 3 December, 13 terrorists were arrested, several others neutralised and nine kidnapped victims rescued during fierce engagements in Anka, Maradun, Talata Mafara, Wurno, Sabon Birni, Batsari, Kankara, Kankiya, Shanono, Tsanyawa, Birnin Kudu, Jahun, Danko Wasagu, Dandi, Kebbe, Zuru and Bagudu.
Airstrikes obliterated terror camps belonging to notorious bandit leaders at Sanusi Ikku’s enclave in Kankara and a hideout in Faskari, killing scores and vaporising their logistics hubs.
North Central: Extremists Crushed in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, FCT
Under Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke, troops recorded decisive wins across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kogi and the FCT.
More extremists were neutralised, 48 suspects were arrested, and 30 kidnap victims were rescued across flashpoint communities including Pankshin, Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bokkos, Ukum, Gwer West, Katsina-Ala, Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kwali.
Arms, vehicles, motorcycles and large quantities of ammunition were recovered from criminal hideouts.
South-South: Oil Theft Syndicates Bleed ₦12 Million Losses
In a major blow to oil theft cartels in the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled crude oil theft worth ₦12.1 million, shutting down four illegal refineries and arresting 25 oil thieves in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo states.
Over 11,850 litres of stolen crude oil and 540 litres of AGO were recovered, while armed criminals defending the illegal sites were neutralised.
South East: Terror Camps Bombed, Kidnap Victims Freed
In the South East, troops under Operation Udo Ka launched sustained offensives across Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River states.
Several terrorists were neutralised, four suspects were arrested, and four kidnap victims rescued during ground raids. Improvised explosive device materials, arms, vehicles and ammunition were seized.
Precision airstrikes at Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, wiped out multiple terrorist camps after repeated rocket and cannon strikes.
Across all theatres, the military disrupted oil theft operations valued at over ₦217.6 million, recovering 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were shut down nationwide.
In a strong assurance to Nigerians, Defence Headquarters confirmed that every necessary operational measure is being deployed to rescue the remaining abducted students and return them safely to their families.
The Armed Forces also urged Nigerians to continue sharing timely intelligence with troops and to support military veterans by purchasing the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem recently launched by President Bola Tinubu.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, praised the bravery of Nigerian troops, stressing that the military will sustain and intensify operations until peace is fully restored to every troubled corner of the country.
“The Armed Forces remain fully committed to operating within the law while crushing all threats to national security,” he declared.
As December unfolds, the message from Nigeria’s battlefront is unambiguous: the war has entered a more brutal, no-holds-barred phase and the military is not retreating.
