Troops neutralise Terrorists, rescue 318 Victims in November – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major security gains recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria across all operational theatres in November 2025, confirming the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and criminal elements as well as the rescue of 318 kidnapped victims nationwide.
At maiden press briefing held at Defence Headquarters, Abuja Thursday,following his assumption of office on November 14, 2025, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military sustained “relentless, intelligence-driven operations” on land, air, and maritime fronts, targeting insurgents, bandits, oil thieves and other violent groups across the country.
Onoja said troops also received the surrender of more than 69 terrorists and their family members, while a string of coordinated missions led to the arrest of dozens of informants, logistics suppliers and armed criminals.
According to him, the operations conducted in synergy with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies resulted in the recovery of arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment used by terrorists to sustain their networks. Several enclaves previously occupied by insurgents were dismantled, paving the way for safer communities and the gradual return of displaced civilians.
In the North East, forces under Operation HADIN KAI intensified pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP factions through combined ground assaults and precision airstrikes in parts of Borno and Adamawa states. The operations, he said, disrupted multiple terror cells, killed several fighters, arrested collaborators, and rescued abducted persons.
Across the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted offensive missions in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano and Jigawa states, resulting in the neutralisation of terrorists, the arrest of additional suspects, and the rescue of several hostages. Air interdiction missions over Kankara and Faskari were described as “highly successful,” destroying key bandit hideouts and degrading their operational capabilities.
In the North Central region, troops under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE responded to multiple violent incidents in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory. Onoja said these troops foiled attacks, eliminated extremists, arrested dozens of suspects and secured the release of kidnapped civilians. Weapons, ammunition and vehicles were also recovered during the operations.
On maritime fronts, forces of Operation DELTA SAFE continued their clampdown on oil theft and illegal refining across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo states. Troops destroyed illegal refining sites, seized stolen crude and diesel and apprehended oil thieves. Onoja described the results as “another significant step” in protecting Nigeria’s critical economic assets.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA sustained targeted offensives against violent separatist elements and criminal gangs in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River states, resulting in the destruction of camps, the arrest of suspects, and the rescue of additional victims. Airstrikes on identified hideouts further weakened the capacity of armed groups operating in the region.
Major General Onoja commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery and assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain committed to safeguarding every part of the country. He appealed for increased public cooperation through timely sharing of credible information and urged support for the ongoing Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by President Bola Tinubu.
He also reaffirmed that the military is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of students recently abducted in different parts of the country.
