Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced a series of significant operational triumphs across Nigeria, neutralising terrorists, arresting criminal collaborators, rescuing abducted victims, and thwarting oil theft valued at over N15.6 million in coordinated operations from 3 to 12 December 2025.
The details were released in a statement issued by the DHQ in Abuja on Monday, signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
According to the statement, troops, in conjunction with other security agencies, sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations across all theatres to bolster national security, protect citizens, and foster a safe environment for economic activity.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing the remaining abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara, Niger State, along with other captives.
The DHQ urged the public and media to avoid speculation or disseminating unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing efforts, while encouraging the sharing of credible intelligence.
North East: Sustained Pressure on Terror Factions
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained intense pressure on Boko Haram,ISWAP, and JAS terrorists across Borno and Adamawa States. Operations in areas including Bama, Gwoza, and Maiduguri led to scores of terrorists neutralised, 22 collaborators arrested, and 15 kidnapped victims rescued.
Significant arms caches and vehicles were recovered, and several terrorist camps destroyed.
Air reconnaissance on 3 December provided critical intelligence for ground forces.
North West: Medical Doctor Among Those Apprehended
Operation FANSAN YAMMA forces recorded notable successes across Katsina, Zamfara, and neighbouring states. Several terrorists were neutralised in fierce engagements, 18 suspects arrested, and 10 victims rescued.
In a key development, troops working with the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a medical doctor allegedly treating wounded terrorists while travelling from Sokoto to Kwara. An arms dealer was also apprehended in Sokoto’s Silame Local Government Area.
North Central: Criminals Neutralised, Ransom Recovered
Troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted offensives in Plateau and Kaduna,neutralising extremists, arresting seven criminals, and rescuing 14 kidnapped victims. Over ₦6.6 million in ransom was recovered from kidnappers and their suppliers. Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE forces across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states arrested 16 suspects and rescued 10 victims, recovering weapons and motorcycles.
South-South: Major Oil Theft Ring Disrupted
In the Niger Delta,Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft activities worth over ₦15.69 million. Operations led to the recovery of 16,000 litres of stolen crude and 1,475 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Seven illegal refining sites were destroyed, 29 oil thieves arrested, and assorted arms recovered. Further operations across Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa states resulted in 39 additional arrests and one rescue.
South East: Raid on Weapons Workshop, Victims Freed
Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted targeted raids on kidnappers’hideouts in Enugu and Benue states, rescuing 15 kidnapped victims. A suspected IPOB/ESN weapons fabrication workshop was raided in Anambra State’s Ihiala Local Government Area, with arms and fabrication tools seized. Eleven illegal immigrants were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Military Reaffirms Resolve
The Defence Headquarters commended the bravery,professionalism, and resilience of its troops nationwide. It stressed that the Armed Forces remain steadfast in denying freedom of action to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.
“The successes recorded during this period underscore the unwavering determination of our troops to secure Nigeria and protect its citizens,” the DHQ stated, assuring the public of sustained efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
