Nigerian Armed Forces Sustain Momentum in Counter-Terrorism and Security Operations Across the Country
By Zagazola Makama
In the past week, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have continued to execute extensive military operations across the country, achieving remarkable successes in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and the fight against oil theft.
From the Northeast to the South-South, Nigerian troops have intensified offensive campaigns, leading to the neutralization of terrorists, arrest of criminals, rescue of hostages, and significant recovery of arms, ammunition, and stolen resources.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in its weekly update released on March 13, 2025, detailed the outcomes of these operations, which included land, air, and joint task force operations in multiple regions. With the ongoing offensive, several terrorists and violent extremists have either been neutralized or forced to surrender, signaling the sustained pressure exerted by Nigerian forces.
Operation HADIN KAI (Northeast Nigeria)
In the Northeast, where Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists continue to pose threats, Operation HADIN KAI recorded significant successes:143 terrorists surrendered, including 5 adult males, 66 women, and 72 children, following intensified military pressure. One of them surrendered with two AK-47 rifles, 33 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two magazines. Offensive operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States led to the neutralization of 13 terrorists and the rescue of four hostages. Troops also recovered seven AK-47 rifles, three locally made rifles, two prototype dane guns used for training child fighters, and multiple rounds of ammunition.
Six suspected ISWAP collaborators were apprehended in Ngala, Bama, and Monguno LGAs. Troops recovered two mobile phones, 10 Starlink WiFi devices, and ₦13,000. Following intelligence reports, troops foiled an ISWAP attack in Chibok, arresting three terrorists and rescuing 11 hostages.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA (Northwest Nigeria)
The Northwest region, plagued by banditry and kidnapping, witnessed intensified operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, with impressive results: 18 terrorists were neutralized, 12 kidnapped victims were rescued, and several arms were recovered in operations spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi States.
In Bagega Forest, Anka LGA of Zamfara State, troops rescued nine hostages who had been in captivity for over three months. Air interdictions targeted notorious bandit enclaves, including Nagogo’s camp in Dunya Hill, Katsina State. Several terrorists were neutralized, and their logistics supply routes were dismantled.
Operation WHIRL PUNCH (North Central Nigeria and the FCT)
Security forces in the North Central region, under Operation WHIRL PUNCH, conducted a series of raids and arrests aimed at tackling violent extremism and criminality: Four terrorists were arrested in Edo and Kwara States, and weapons including an AK-47 rifle and 67 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Anti-kidnapping operations in Kogi and the FCT led to the arrest of two kidnappers and the rescue of three hostages. In a significant operation, troops apprehended five criminals in Gwagwalada, Abuja, and a suspected child trafficker was arrested with a one-year-old baby.
Operation SAFE HAVEN & WHIRL STROKE (Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, and Nasarawa States)
Troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE carried out high-impact security operations: In Plateau and Kaduna States, 6 extremists were neutralized, 11 criminals were arrested, and 22 hostages were freed. A major arms dealer was arrested in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, with an AK-47 rifle and ₦1.5 million in cash. In Benue, troops raided an insurgent hideout, neutralizing two extremists and recovering weapons.
Operation DELTA SAFE (South-South Nigeria – Niger Delta)
The Niger Delta region continues to be a hotspot for illegal oil bunkering and environmental sabotage. Under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops cracked down on crude oil thieves: Security forces foiled the theft of over ₦1 billion worth of crude oil and refined products, including 675,266 liters of stolen crude oil and 312,593 liters of illegally refined diesel. 31 oil thieves were arrested, and 56 illegal refining sites were dismantled. The Nigerian Air Force launched aerial surveillance and interdiction missions, targeting illegal refining sites in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States.
Operation UDO KA (Southeast Nigeria)
Troops battling separatist violence in the Southeast, under Operation UDO KA, continued to disrupt the activities of IPOB/ESN militants: One extremist was neutralized, five were arrested, and a kidnapped victim was rescued in operations across Imo and Anambra States.An attack on military personnel in Orsu, Imo State, was repelled, with one terrorist neutralized and his weapon seized. Air interdictions targeted separatist strongholds in Imo, Ebonyi, and Anambra States, significantly weakening terrorist activities.
Across all military operations, troops recovered a total of 71 weapons and 1,289 rounds of ammunition, including: 32 AK-47 rifles, 15 locally made guns, 9 dane guns, 3 pump-action rifles, and 2 locally fabricated pistols. 1,133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 69 live cartridges.
As the Nigerian military continues its relentless assault on terrorists, bandits, and criminals, its successes reaffirm the commitment of the Armed Forces to securing the country. The sustained operations have led to a decline in terrorist activities, dismantling of oil theft networks, and the weakening of violent extremist groups across Nigeria.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, emphasized that the military will remain steadfast in protecting lives and properties, enforcing the law, and ensuring that Nigeria is safe for all citizens.
