From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that between January and December 2025, the Armed Forces arrested a total of 4,375 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the country.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military also rescued 2,336 kidnapped victims and received the surrender of 1,616 terrorists and their family members during the year.
He added that troops applied both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in their operations, neutralising high-profile terrorist leaders, rescuing victims, arresting arms traffickers, and disrupting criminal supply networks, including illegal oil refining activities.
Major General Onoja listed key terrorist and bandit leaders neutralised in 2025 to include Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, and Nwachi Eze (Onowu), among others.
He highlighted the operations in the various theatres:
North East – Operation Hadin Kai: Continued sustained operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
North West – Operation Fansan Yamma: Focused on countering banditry, kidnapping, and terrorist incursions, resulting in the arrest of 669 suspects and rescue of 966 kidnapped victims.
A precision air strike on ISIS enclaves in Bauni Forest, Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State, carried out with the United States using MQ-9 Reaper UAVs, neutralised foreign and local ISIS operatives without civilian casualties.
North Central – Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke: Arrests of arms merchants in Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba; seizure of weapons and ammunition intended for armed groups. Operations addressed terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder clashes.
South-South – Operation Delta Safe: Efforts targeted cultism, kidnapping, youth restiveness, pipeline vandalism, and oil theft. The zone also faced threats from IPOB and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).
South-East: Intensified troop operations led to a significant reduction in criminal activities.
Major General Onoja reassured Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting property, and ensuring a secure environment for economic activities.
“Despite the risks, hardships, and time spent away from families, our troops have remained steadfast in the resolve to protect lives, property, and the sovereignty of our country,” he said.
He also assured military personnel that their welfare remains a top priority in 2026.
“The Chief of Defence Staff has asked me to assure personnel that their welfare remains a top priority as we enter the new year. May they receive renewed strength, peace, and hope. Your service is valued, your sacrifices are recognized, and your efforts will never be in vain,” Major General Onoja said.
