Deborah Makoji
Abuja
The Nigerian military has reported significant successes in its fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges in the country.
The Director, Defence Media, Major General Micheal Onoja made thos known at the year-end press briefing in Abuja to provide a comprehensive overview of the conduct, outcomes, and evolving dynamics of all ongoing military operations across the country within the year 2025.
In 2025, troops neutralized top terrorist commanders, arrested 4,375 suspects, and rescued 2,336 kidnapped hostages across the country. They also recovered assorted arms and ammunition, and foiled oil theft valued at N8.9 billion in the South-South zone.
"Within the year, troops in conjunction with other security stake holders neutralized several top terrorists’ commanders, their lieutenants and their foot soldiers, 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 include notorious bandit with the pseudo names; Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja. Troop also arrested Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Five (4,375) suspects, and received One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) surrendered terrorists and their family members, while Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Six (2,336) kidnapped hostages were successfully rescue"
"Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft valued at Eight Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Six Naira (N8,918,647,206.00). The breakdown includes the recovery of Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Two (16, 623,542) litres of stolen crude oil, One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Four (1,255,674) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Four Hundred and Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty Four (407,734) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and One Million, Five Hundred and Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Three (1,508,823) litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)."
Onoja informed that troops discovered and destroyed over Five Hundred and Three (503) illegal refining sites.
"During the year, the troops' operational prowess led to the neutralization of top terrorist commanders, sectional and sub-lieutenant commanders, as well as scores of their foot soldiers (some of whom were mentioned in the opening remarks), One Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Three (1,323) suspects were arrested alongside their collaborators, gunrunners, sympathizers, and spies and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) terrorists surrendered to the troops, while Four Hundred and Ninety Eight (498) kidnapped hostages were rescued. Troops also recovered various arms, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, and a cumulative sum of Thirty-Two Million Naira (N32,000,000.00) in cash."
Onoja further disclose that, several terrorist camps and hibernation areas were destroyed. These actions significantly degraded the terrorists' fighting capabilities, compelling them to surrender in large numbers and denying them freedom of action. Overall, troops' efforts in the North East have revitalized commercial and agricultural activities, facilitated the return of local authorities, and enabled Internally Displaced Persons to resettle in their respective communities.
The operational successes recorded during the year indicate that scores of terrorists were neutralized in action, Six Hundred and Sixty Nine (669) suspects were arrested, and Nine Hundred and Sixty-Six (966) kidnapped hostages were rescued.
" Troops also intercepted and recovered various arms, ammunition, equipment, and large sums of money intended for ransom payments, weapon purchases, and other illicit activities."
The military also warned of possible relocations of terrorist factions to other communities and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
"The Defence Headquarters is acutely aware of terrorist factions relocating to some communities in response to military pressure carried out on terrorist locations. Several movements have been identified and are presently being tracked. Communities are urged to maintain composure, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies. Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies’ formations."
He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with security agencies, have intensified proactive measures to thwart any attempts by fleeing terrorists to infiltrate or destabilize any community.
" The Defence Headquarters remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and upholding national security."
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