The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major operational victories recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2025, including the arrest of 4,375 suspected terrorists, the rescue of 2,336 kidnapped victims, and the prevention of oil theft valued at over N8.9 billion.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the DHQ’s end-of-year briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.
According to Onoja, the achievements reflect sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to protect lives and property, safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and strengthen national security in the face of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft.
“The briefing highlights operational achievements in our sustained effort to secure the nation, while also assessing the evolving threat environment, inter-agency collaboration and the resilience and professionalism of our troops,” he said.
He explained that the Armed Forces continued to combine kinetic and non-kinetic operations to neutralise threats, secure communities and create a safe environment for economic activities to thrive.
Onoja revealed that within the year, troops—working alongside other security agencies—neutralised several notorious terrorist and bandit commanders, including Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka 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 (aka Onowu).
Others neutralised, he said, include bandit kingpins known by pseudonyms such as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.
In addition to the 4,375 arrests, Onoja disclosed that 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the year, while 2,336 abducted persons were successfully rescued across various theatres of operation.
On the fight against oil theft, the DHQ said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled crude oil theft estimated at N8,918,647,206.00. This included the recovery of 16,623,542 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,255,674 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 407,734 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,508,823 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Over 503 illegal refining sites were also discovered and destroyed.
General Onoja noted that intelligence reports indicate terrorists are attempting to relocate into some communities due to sustained military pressure on their strongholds. He assured that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets are actively tracking such movements.
“The purported influx of armed herders into some communities is being taken seriously. Several movements have been identified and are being closely monitored,” he said, urging communities to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.
He encouraged citizens to promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified proactive measures to prevent fleeing terrorists from infiltrating or destabilising any community.
Onoja said the successes recorded in 2025 are a testament to the determination, bravery and professionalism of Nigerian troops, despite the risks, hardships and long periods away from their families.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has assured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, while pledging that the Armed Forces and other security stakeholders will intensify efforts against terrorism and other crimes in 2026.
On Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Onoja said the CDS paid tribute to fallen heroes and veterans who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.
“On behalf of the CDS and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, I wish our gallant troops, defence correspondents and their families a peaceful and prosperous New Year. God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
