2025 OPERATIONS: How Military Crushed Top Terrorist Leaders, Rescued 2,336 Hostages
The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant operational successes against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the country in 2025, neutralising several top terror commanders and rescuing 2,336 kidnapped hostages nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this on Wednesday during an end-of-year media briefing in Abuja, where it presented a comprehensive review of military operations conducted between January and December 2025 across all theatres.
According to the DHQ, troops operating in conjunction with other security agencies neutralized a long list of notorious terrorist leaders, their lieutenants and foot soldiers during the year. Those eliminated include Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze, also known as Onowu.
Other notorious bandit leaders neutralised were identified by pseudonyms such as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.
The military also arrested 4,375 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, while 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during sustained operations across the country.
Providing a breakdown of operations by region, the DHQ said troops in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai continued to degrade the capabilities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, despite the groups’ reliance on isolated attacks and the use of improvised explosive devices. Within the period, 1,323 suspects were arrested, 498 kidnapped victims were rescued, and large caches of arms, ammunition, vehicles and equipment were recovered.
In the North-West, where troops battled banditry, kidnapping and terrorist infiltration, especially along porous borders, the military said 669 suspects were arrested and 966 kidnapped hostages rescued under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The DHQ noted that enhanced intelligence, modern equipment and precision operations helped weaken terrorist networks in the region.
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It also confirmed that joint Nigeria–United States precision airstrikes were carried out against ISIS enclaves in the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following intelligence that foreign fighters were infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel. Sixteen GPS-guided munitions were deployed during the operation, neutralising the targeted elements. The DHQ said debris from the munitions landed in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states without causing civilian casualties, adding that the sites were swiftly secured.
In the North-Central, troops under Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke neutralised scores of terrorists and extremists, arrested 1,261 suspects and rescued 755 kidnapped victims. The region, according to the DHQ, continued to face threats from banditry, terrorism, arms proliferation and farmer-herder clashes, particularly in Benue, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kwara states.
The South-South also recorded notable gains against oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft valued at N8.9bn, recovering over 16.6 million litres of stolen crude oil and large volumes of illegally refined petroleum products. The operation also led to the destruction of 503 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 778 suspects and the rescue of 53 kidnapped victims.
In the South-East, the DHQ said intensified operations significantly curtailed the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network. Troops under Operation Udo Ka neutralised scores of extremists, arrested 324 suspects and rescued 64 kidnapped persons, while recovering weapons and ammunition.
The military said the cumulative impact of operations across all regions led to the rescue of 2,336 kidnapped hostages nationwide in 2025, alongside the disruption of terror logistics, financing and recruitment networks.
While acknowledging reports of terrorists relocating to some communities due to sustained military pressure, the DHQ said Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets were actively tracking such movements to prevent infiltration and further attacks. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or movements to security agencies.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, commending the resilience and professionalism of troops operating under challenging conditions. It assured Nigerians that operations would be intensified in 2026 to further degrade terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security.
By PRNigeria
