Troops kill scores of terrorists, rescue 67 victims, arrest 94 suspects - DHQ

By Ade Ade

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide operations, killing scores of terrorists, arresting 94 criminal suspects and rescuing 67 kidnapped victims within a two-week period.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Olatokunbo Bello, disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja while briefing journalists on operations conducted between 3 and 14 November, 2025.

According to him, the troops recorded major breakthroughs across all theatres, recovering large quantities of arms and ammunition including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, RPG tubes, locally fabricated weapons, explosive-making materials and other logistics. Several criminal hideouts and camps were also destroyed during the operations.

North-East: Boko Haram, ISWAP Suffer Heavy Losses

Bello said troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive operations in Borno and Adamawa States, killing several Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. Troops also arrested 45 terrorist informants, collaborators and logistics suppliers, and rescued one kidnapped victim.

North-West: Terror Cells Crushed Across Six States

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed multiple terrorists during operations in Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Kano States. They also arrested two suspects, rescued 13 kidnapped victims and recovered assorted weapons, vehicles and livestock.

North-Central: Notorious Criminal Arrested

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to a series of attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing extremists, arresting 16 suspects and rescuing five kidnap victims. A notorious criminal, Ibrahim Wakili, was arrested in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State on 9 November.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops recorded further successes in Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States - killing several criminals, arresting 10 suspects and rescuing 48 kidnapped victims. Two gunrunners and two extremist collaborators were also arrested in Nasarawa State.

Niger Delta: Oil Theft Worth Millions Foiled

Bello revealed that troops of Operation Delta Safe thwarted oil theft valued at more than N15.8 million in the Niger Delta. Several illegal refining sites were destroyed, and nine suspected oil thieves were arrested in Bayelsa and Delta States.

South-East: Criminal Networks Disrupted

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka killed one terrorist and arrested seven others during operations in Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

DHQ Commends Troops, Calls for Accurate Reporting

Major General Bello commended the gallantry and resilience of troops across all theatres and urged the media to continue disseminating accurate, verified information to support national security efforts.