The Nigerian military has recorded a series of operational successes across multiple theatres of operation, underscoring an intensified campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and crude oil theft. Within a 48-hour period, troops neutralised 27 terrorists, arrested 10 suspected criminals, rescued eight kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, vehicles and other logistics in coordinated operations across several states.
The latest achievements, carried out through intelligence-driven joint land and air operations, reflect the military’s continued strategy of targeting both the operational and logistical networks that sustain criminal and terrorist groups. The operations covered key hotspots in Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa and Akwa Ibom states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A major highlight of the operations occurred in the North-East, where the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precision air strikes against terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area of Borno State. According to military assessments supported by human intelligence, 27 insurgents were eliminated during the missions. Twelve terrorists were reportedly killed in an air strike on Dawoshe in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another 15 were neutralised during a separate engagement at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area.
The strikes demonstrate the growing reliance on intelligence-led air power to disrupt insurgent concentrations and deny terrorists freedom of movement in remote areas around the Lake Chad basin. Analysts note that sustained pressure on such strongholds could further weaken the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in the region.
On the ground, troops continued efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks. In Biu Local Government Area, soldiers arrested a suspected terrorist along the Mandara-Girau-Sabon Gari axis and recovered food supplies, communication equipment, batteries, blankets and herbicides believed to be destined for insurgent camps. Such recoveries are significant because disrupting supply chains often has a long-term impact on the ability of terrorist groups to sustain operations.
Troops also foiled a kidnapping attempt near Kareto and rescued six civilians—three men and three women—without injury, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities from criminal activities.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded notable successes against kidnapping and banditry. Troops arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Recovered items included ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop, a mobile phone and military-style clothing. Security experts have frequently warned that the use of military-pattern attire by criminal elements complicates identification efforts and can undermine public confidence.
A separate operation in Jos South Local Government Area led to the arrest of four suspected criminals found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition, further demonstrating the military’s efforts to tackle emerging security threats in the North-Central region.
In neighbouring Nasarawa State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims after suspected abductors abandoned them and fled upon sighting advancing security forces. Follow-up operations, aided by intelligence from an arrested suspect, led troops to a criminal hideout where they recovered a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, and ₦1.8 million believed to be proceeds from criminal activities.
The recovery of cash and communication equipment points to the increasing sophistication of criminal networks, which often rely on coordinated logistics and financial channels to sustain their operations.
In the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on actionable intelligence intercepted two suspected carjackers along the Abuja–Lokoja Highway and recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle. Preliminary investigations indicated that the vehicle had been forcefully taken from its owner in Abuja and was being transported out of the city for disposal.
The operation highlights growing collaboration among security agencies to combat organised vehicle theft syndicates operating across state boundaries.
Meanwhile, in the South-South region, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations in Akwa Ibom State recovered about 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in sacks within a bush in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts to curb oil-related economic sabotage and protect critical national assets.
Taken together, the latest operations reflect a broader military approach that combines intelligence gathering, rapid response and inter-agency coordination to confront evolving security threats. While challenges remain across several regions, the recent gains indicate sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal networks, disrupting their activities and limiting their operational reach.
Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the offensive against criminal elements nationwide and urged citizens to continue supporting security operations through the provision of timely and credible intelligence, which remains a critical force multiplier in efforts to achieve lasting peace and national security.
