The Nigerian military recorded sweeping operational victories across the country in 2025, neutralised notorious terrorist kingpins, arrested thousands of criminal suspects, rescued more than 2,300 kidnapped victims and disrupted oil theft worth over ₦8.9 billion.
The achievements were outlined in a comprehensive end-of-year operational media briefing held at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on December 31, 2025.
According to the DHQ, Nigerian troops, operating jointly with other security agencies, sustained intense kinetic and non-kinetic operations nationwide to counter terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of violent criminality. These efforts, the military said, were aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting lives and property, and creating a secure environment for socio-economic activities.
Within the period under review, troops neutralised several high-profile terrorist commanders and their lieutenants, including 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, Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Malla Jidda, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze, also known as Onowu. Other notorious bandits eliminated were identified by pseudonyms such as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.
Overall, 4,375 suspects were arrested across the country, while 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops. In addition, 2,336 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued during various operations.
In the North East, troops under Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI maintained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements. Despite isolated attacks and the continued use of improvised explosive devices by the terrorists, the military said the security situation remained relatively stable. During the year, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 1,323 suspects and rescued 498 abducted persons. Several terrorist camps were destroyed, arms and ammunition recovered, and about ₦32 million in cash seized. These gains, the DHQ noted, helped revive farming, trade and governance, enabling displaced persons to return to their communities.
The North West also witnessed intensified operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as troops confronted threats from bandits, Boko Haram/ISWAP elements and the Lakurawa terrorist group. The military reported the arrest of 669 suspects and the rescue of 966 kidnapped victims, alongside the recovery of weapons, ammunition and ransom funds. Notably, precision airstrikes, executed in collaboration with strategic partners, were carried out against Islamic State enclaves in the Bauni Forest area of Sokoto State, disrupting transnational terrorist infiltration from the Sahel. Authorities confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded.
In the North Central zone, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE focused on tackling banditry, terrorism, arms proliferation and farmers-herders clashes. Troops arrested over 1,200 suspects across the two operations, rescued more than 750 kidnapped victims and recovered assorted arms and ammunition in states including Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa and Taraba.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE dealt a major blow to oil theft and illegal refining. Troops foiled crude oil theft valued at ₦8.9 billion, recovering over 16.6 million litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products. They also destroyed 503 illegal refining sites, arrested 778 suspects and rescued 53 kidnapped victims, significantly weakening criminal networks in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, in the South East, troops under Operation UDO KA intensified operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The DHQ said the group’s activities declined sharply following sustained military pressure and recent court actions against its leaders. During the year, troops arrested 324 suspects, rescued at least 64 kidnapped persons and recovered weapons and ammunition.
Concluding the briefing, the Defence Headquarters acknowledged intelligence reports indicating that fleeing terrorists were attempting to relocate to new areas in response to sustained military pressure. It assured Nigerians that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets were actively tracking such movements, while proactive measures had been intensified to prevent infiltration of communities.
The military urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative by promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies. It also reaffirmed that the welfare of personnel remains a top priority, while pledging that operations against terrorism and other crimes would be further intensified in 2026.
The DHQ commended the bravery and professionalism of Nigerian troops and paid tribute to fallen heroes as part of the Armed Forces Remembrance activities, assuring Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to national security.
