By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant gains against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft across the country in 2025, neutralizing several high-profile terrorist commanders, arresting thousands of suspects and rescuing more than 2,300 kidnapped victims, according to a year-end operational briefing released on December 31.

In the comprehensive summary covering January to December 2025, the Defence Headquarters said troops operating alongside other security agencies neutralized dozens of notorious terrorist and bandit leaders, arrested 4,375 suspects and received the surrender of 1,616 terrorists and their family members.

A total of 2,336 kidnapped hostages were rescued nationwide during the period.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the results reflected the resilience and professionalism of Nigerian troops amid complex security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, armed banditry, oil theft and other criminal activities.

In the North East under Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements, neutralizing key commanders, arresting 1,323 suspects, securing the surrender of 1,616 terrorists and rescuing 498 hostages.

The military said these efforts helped restore farming, commerce and the return of displaced persons to their communities.

Operations in the North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA focused on banditry, kidnapping and terrorist infiltration across porous borders. Troops neutralized scores of fighters, arrested 669 suspects and rescued 966 hostages.

The year also saw precision air strikes, conducted with international partners, against Islamic State enclaves in Sokoto State, aimed at disrupting transnational terror networks operating along the Sahel corridor.

In the North Central zone, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE addressed terrorism, banditry, arms trafficking and farmer-herder violence.

Combined, troops arrested more than 1,260 suspects, rescued over 750 kidnapped victims and recovered caches of illegal arms and ammunition across states including Benue, Kogi, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.

The South-South recorded major successes against oil theft and pipeline vandalism under Operation DELTA SAFE.

Troops foiled crude oil theft valued at about ₦8.9 billion, recovered millions of litres of stolen petroleum products and destroyed 503 illegal refining sites, while arresting 778 suspects.

In the South East, Operation UDO KA intensified operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The military said arrests, court actions against group leaders and intelligence-led operations significantly degraded the groups’ capabilities, leading to reduced criminal activity.

Troops arrested 324 suspects and rescued at least 64 kidnapped persons.

The Defence Headquarters noted that some terrorist elements are attempting to relocate in response to sustained military pressure, assuring Nigerians that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets are actively tracking such movements. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

As the country heads into 2026, the military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations nationwide, prioritizing troop welfare and sustaining efforts to safeguard lives, property and Nigeria’s sovereignty.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday marked Christmas with frontline troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA during a special luncheon at Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto State.

The visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was aimed at boosting troop morale, appreciating their sacrifices and reinforcing strategic guidance for ongoing military operations across the North West.

Addressing officers and soldiers, General Oluyede conveyed warm Christmas greetings and commended the troops for their courage, discipline and dedication, particularly as many Nigerians celebrated the season with their families.

He praised the operational successes recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, noting that the efforts of the troops have contributed significantly to restoring public confidence and improving stability in the North West and neighbouring states.

The CDS urged sustained collaboration with other security agencies, government authorities and local communities to consolidate peace.

General Oluyede assured the troops that their welfare remains a top priority, stressing his commitment to improving living and working conditions, healthcare services and support for families of military personnel.

He also charged the troops to maintain high vigilance during the festive period, warning that criminal elements often seek to exploit such times.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support of military operations, assuring Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ resolve to combat terrorism and other forms of criminality.

In his remarks, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the Christmas luncheon as a long-standing tradition to recognise the resilience, professionalism and sacrifices of troops deployed in operational areas.

He noted that similar luncheons were taking place across other theatres of operation nationwide.

The Army Chief said the Christmas season offers an opportunity for reflection and remembrance of fallen heroes, assuring that the Nigerian Army would continue to honour their sacrifices by supporting their families.

He reaffirmed his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force, with emphasis on personnel welfare and operational readiness.

Both Service Chiefs reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding national peace, unity and democratic stability, while wishing the troops a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year 2026.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division to intensify offensive operations aimed at decisively eliminating bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements within their area of responsibility.

The directive was given on Monday, December 22, 2025, during the COAS’s maiden operational visit to the 2 Division at Odugbo Barracks, Ibadan, where he addressed officers and soldiers.

Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness in tackling insecurity across the division’s area, noting that he had been fully briefed on their activities and recent successes.

“I have been thoroughly briefed on your operations and the remarkable successes you have recorded,” he said. “I commend your efforts and urge you to sustain the momentum. Go after the kidnappers and other miscreants wherever they are, whether in the bushes, forests or their hideouts, and ensure these criminal activities are reduced to the barest minimum.”

The Army Chief reaffirmed his commitment to improving troop welfare, announcing that approvals had been granted for the renovation of existing accommodation and the construction of new residential facilities within the barracks.

He stressed that high morale remains critical to operational success and described troop welfare as a core priority of his command philosophy.

He also urged personnel to properly maintain existing accommodation and facilities to promote a conducive living and operational environment as the Army sustains its campaign against criminality.

The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s resolve to strengthen ongoing operations and enhance the capacity of frontline troops to address security challenges within the 2 Division’s area of responsibility.