By Bavoriat Clara
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant successes in ongoing military operations across the country between 3 and 12 December 2025, including the rescue of abducted victims, neutralisation of terrorists and criminals, and the recovery of large caches of arms and ammunition.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at enhancing national security, promoting stability and protecting Nigeria’s national interests.
Major General Onoja noted that the military remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens while providing timely and accurate information to the public on ongoing operations across all theatres. He added that the Armed Forces are working closely with relevant security stakeholders to combat threats, secure communities and create a conducive environment for economic activities.
The DHQ assured Nigerians that concerted efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted children of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State, and other citizens still in captivity. It urged the public and media to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information that could jeopardise rescue operations, while encouraging the sharing of credible intelligence that could aid the arrest of perpetrators. The military reaffirmed that the safe recovery of all abductees remains a top priority.
During the period under review, troops across the country recovered substantial quantities of automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Gun tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, Improvised Explosive Device making materials, live cartridges and assorted ammunition from terrorists and other criminal elements.
In the North East, troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists through coordinated ground and air operations in Borno and Adamawa States. Scores of terrorists were neutralised, 22 collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested, and 15 kidnapped victims were rescued. Several terrorist camps were destroyed, while weapons, vehicles and motorcycles were recovered. The Air Component also conducted air reconnaissance missions that provided critical intelligence for ground troop successes.
In the North West, sustained offensive operations across Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kano States led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of 18 suspects and the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims. Troops also recovered weapons, vehicles, livestock and household items. In related operations, a terrorist’s medical doctor and an arms dealer were arrested following credible intelligence. Air reconnaissance missions further supported ground operations.
Operations in the North Central region yielded similar results, with troops responding to distress calls and conducting raids across Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara States and the Federal Capital Territory. Several extremists were neutralised, suspects arrested and kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered over ₦6.6 million from kidnappers and their logistics suppliers, in addition to arms, ammunition and other items.
In the South-South, troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦15.6 million, recovering thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and refined products. Illegal refining sites were destroyed, while dozens of suspects were arrested across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Arms and ammunition were also recovered, and a kidnapped victim was rescued.
In the South East, troops conducted targeted operations against kidnappers and criminal elements in several states, rescuing 15 kidnapped victims and recovering arms, ammunition and weapons fabrication tools. A suspected local weapons fabrication workshop linked to IPOB/ESN was dismantled, while 11 illegal immigrants were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action nationwide. It commended the courage, professionalism and resilience of troops involved in the operations and assured Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country.
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