The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements within their communities, as the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sustain intensified operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on the Armed Forces’ operational activities throughout 2025, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said renewed military pressure has forced criminal groups onto the run, with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets actively tracking their movements nationwide.
Major General Onoja explained that formations of the Armed Forces, working closely with other security agencies, have heightened proactive measures to prevent fleeing terrorists and criminals from infiltrating communities or creating new flashpoints of instability.
He noted that the operations span all theatres and are designed to deny hostile elements freedom of movement and operational space.
According to him, the briefing provides a comprehensive overview of the conduct, outcomes and evolving dynamics of ongoing military operations within the year.
It highlights key achievements in efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect lives and property, and uphold national security, while also assessing the current threat environment, inter-agency collaboration, and the professionalism and resilience of troops confronting asymmetric threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft.
He added that as the Armed Forces continue to adapt to emerging security realities through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, the review is intended to inform strategic decision-making, enhance operational effectiveness and set priorities for the coming year.
Emphasising the military’s commitment to transparency, General Onoja assured that the DHQ will continue to provide timely and accurate information to keep the public informed, while ensuring the safety of citizens and personnel and creating a secure environment for economic activities to thrive.
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The Director also briefed journalists on the operational activities and achievements of troops in 2025, as well as feats recorded across various theatres of operations in the country.
According to him, within the year, troops, in conjunction with other security stakeholders, neutralised several top terrorist commanders, their lieutenants and foot soldiers. These include Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze (also known as Onowu).
Others include notorious bandits with pseudonyms such as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.
Troops also arrested four thousand, three hundred and seventy-five (4,375) suspects and received one thousand, six hundred and sixteen (1,616) surrendered terrorists and their family members, while two thousand, three hundred and thirty-six (2,336) kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft valued at eight billion, nine hundred and eighteen million, six hundred and forty-seven thousand, two hundred and six naira (₦8,918,647,206.00). The breakdown includes the recovery of sixteen million, six hundred and twenty-three thousand, five hundred and forty-two (16,623,542) litres of stolen crude oil; one million, two hundred and fifty-five thousand, six hundred and seventy-four (1,255,674) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO); four hundred and seven thousand, seven hundred and thirty-four (407,734) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK); and one million, five hundred and eight thousand, eight hundred and twenty-three (1,508,823) litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Furthermore, troops discovered and destroyed over five hundred and three (503) illegal refining sites.
During the briefing, the Director provided an overview of activities conducted by the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (JTF NE OPHK), Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Joint Task Force North Central Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF NC OPEP), and Joint Task Force North Central Operation WHIRL STROKE (JTF NC OPWS).
He also detailed the successes recorded by the Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE (JTF SS OPDS) and Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA (JTF SE OPUK).
The Defence Headquarters commended the bravery and professionalism of troops involved in all operations and assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
Meanwhile, a minute’s silence was observed for seven journalists who lost their lives in a tragic accident in Gombe.