Nigerian troops have rescued 318 kidnapped victims, while more than 69 terrorists and their family members surrendered during operations across the country in November 2025.
The New Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, announced the development during the weekly briefing on ongoing military operations coordinated by the Armed Forces in Abuja.
He said troops foiled oil theft worth N217,664,618, recovering 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated.
Operation Hadin Kai – North East
General Onoja said Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) troops sustained operational momentum, denying Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists freedom of action. Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested informants and logistics suppliers, recovered weapons, and dismantled terrorist networks.
Their operations enabled the safe resettlement of displaced persons. Six collaborators, informants, sympathisers, and spies were arrested, and five kidnapped victims were rescued. Significant quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered, while terrorist camps were destroyed.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support to ground troops in Dikwa, New Marte, and Gajibo areas of Borno State, boosting operational effectiveness against ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists.
Operation Fanasan Yamma – North West
Troops of Operation Fanasan Yamma sustained their operational tempo across Dankon Wasagu, Dandi, Kebbe, Zuru, and Bagudu LGAs of Kebbi State. Several terrorists were neutralised, 13 apprehended, and nine kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, vehicles, livestock, and other items were recovered.
Air operations targeted and engaged terrorist positions with bombs and rockets, destroying camps and logistics, while battle damage assessments confirmed multiple casualties.
Operation Enduring Peace – Plateau State
Troops responded to distress calls on terrorist activities across Plateau State. Firefights resulted in the neutralisation of extremists, the arrest of 16 criminals, and the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were recovered.
Operation Whirl Stroke – Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba
Troops neutralised several extremists, arrested 20 suspects, and rescued six kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition, vehicles, and livestock were recovered. In other operations, 12 suspects were arrested and 14 kidnapped victims rescued, with additional arms and ammunition recovered.
Operation Delta Safe – South South
Troops in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers states foiled oil theft worth N12,120,020, recovering 11,850 litres of crude oil and 540 litres of AGO.
“Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 4 illegal refining sites and arrested 25 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
During the operations, troops neutralised several criminals, arrested 3 suspects, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them,” he said.
Furthermore, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained an offensive posture throughout the week.
The Director said that troops conducted offensive operations in Udenu and Oji River LGAs of Enugu State, as well as Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State, and that operations were also carried out in Bende and Biase LGAs of Abia and Cross River States.
During the operations, several terrorists were neutralised, four were arrested, and four kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms, ammunition, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices were recovered and rendered unusable.
The Director noted that, in support of the ongoing joint clearance operations, the Air Component of Operation UDO KA conducted air interdiction at terrorists’ locations in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State.
Targets were acquired and engaged with rockets and cannons in successive passes.
“Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised, while their camps and logistics were destroyed,” he said.
Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain the momentum, while the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) solicited continued sharing of credible information to enhance operational effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the AFN informed Nigerians that all necessary measures, systems, and activities were being employed to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned safely to their families.
A minute of silence was observed for officers who lost their lives defending their fatherland.
Confidence Okwuchi