By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
Nigeria’s Armed Forces have announced sweeping successes in counter-insurgency and anti-crime operations across the country, reporting that troops neutralized dozens of terrorists, arrested over 120 suspects, and rescued 41 kidnapped victims within just one week.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in its latest operational update on Thursday, said the results underscore the military’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in troubled regions.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that troops carried out coordinated land and air offensives across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South.
“In the past seven days, our troops have maintained aggressive momentum against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves. The operations resulted in the neutralization of several criminal elements, the arrest of 120 others, and the rescue of 41 victims,” Buba stated.
Breakdown of operations
- North-East: Troops of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly killed more than 30 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Borno and Yobe States. Several makeshift camps were destroyed, while caches of arms and ammunition were recovered.
- North-West: In Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, airstrikes and ground operations neutralized scores of bandits and disrupted logistics routes. A large number of rustled cattle were also recovered.
- North-Central: Troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted raids in Plateau, Benue, and Niger States, arresting suspects linked to communal violence and armed robbery.
- South-South: Security operatives intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft, dismantling dozens of illegal refineries in Rivers and Delta States. Equipment worth millions of naira was destroyed.
Among the most significant achievements was the safe rescue of 41 kidnap victims from criminal hideouts in Zamfara, Katsina, and Taraba States. The DHQ confirmed that the victims, including women and children, are currently receiving medical attention and will soon be reunited with their families.
A rescued mother of three, who requested anonymity, expressed relief: “We had lost hope, but the soldiers risked their lives to free us. I’m grateful to God and the Nigerian Army.”
The DHQ said troops recovered 76 AK-47 rifles, machine guns, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and large quantities of ammunition during the week-long operations. Vehicles, motorcycles, and communication gadgets belonging to the insurgents were also seized.
Major General Buba assured Nigerians that the armed forces would sustain the pressure until insurgency, banditry, and oil theft are eliminated. He urged communities to continue providing credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
“We are winning battles every day, but the war is collective. Citizens’ support and vigilance remain crucial in ensuring total victory,” he emphasized.
While many Nigerians welcomed the military’s report, some civil society groups have called for independent verification of casualty figures and accountability for human rights. Security analyst Aisha Balogun told S24 Media House: “The statistics are impressive, but transparency is key. Nigerians want to see lasting peace, not just numbers.”
Others expressed concern that despite weekly successes, violence persists in some rural communities. Farmers in Niger and Zamfara have reported continued threats from armed groups, raising questions about whether the military’s gains are sustainable.
The latest update comes as President Tinubu’s administration prioritizes security as the foundation of its Renewed Hope Agenda. Military leaders insist that the tide is turning against terrorists and criminals, but warn that total victory will take sustained effort.
For families reunited with their loved ones this week, however, the message is clear: the military’s efforts are making a difference on the ground, even amid ongoing challenges.
