Nigeria’s Armed Forces say they have recorded major operational gains in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and oil theft across the country. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Micheal Onoja, disclosed this during a high-level defence briefing in Abuja, where military authorities reviewed the nation’s security situation and operational outcomes for the year 2025.

According to Major General Onoja, the review focused on assessing the current threat environment, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and enhancing strategic decision-making to improve operational effectiveness nationwide. He reaffirmed that the military’s core mandate remains the protection of citizens and personnel, while maintaining transparency in keeping the public informed of ongoing operations and achievements across all theatres.

Within the period under review, troops working with other security agencies neutralized several high-profile terrorist commanders, their lieutenants, and foot soldiers. The military also recorded the arrest of 4,375 suspected criminals, while 1,616 terrorists surrendered alongside their families. In addition, 2,336 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued across various operational areas. In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil theft and pipeline vandalism. These efforts, the military says, have significantly disrupted illegal activities, contributing to improved crude oil production and the protection of critical national assets.

The Defence Headquarters also provided updates on operations of its six Joint Task Forces. In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai continues to maintain relative stability across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States. However, the military acknowledged that remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, still pose security threats through isolated attacks, including the use of improvised explosive devices and remote assaults on civilians and security personnel.

The Armed Forces say operations will continue to adapt to emerging threats as efforts are intensified to restore lasting peace and security across the country.