The Defence Headquarters says the Armed Forces recorded “significant progress” against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups nationwide in November, rescuing 318 kidnapped victims and forcing more than 69 insurgents and their family members to surrender.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, gave the update at his maiden briefing in Abuja, where he pledged transparency and stronger cooperation with the media.
“Your role in disseminating accurate information is invaluable,” he said, while urging reporters to resist sensationalism.
Onoja said troops intensified clearance operations, intelligence-driven raids, air interdictions and maritime patrols across all theatres, neutralising many fighters and arresting dozens of informants, logistics suppliers and kidnappers.
Arms, ammunition, vehicles and explosives were also recovered, while multiple terrorist enclaves were dismantled.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed several Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, arrested six collaborators and rescued five hostages during operations in Borno and Adamawa. Air support missions also targeted ISWAP positions in Dikwa, Marte and Gajibo.
In the North-West, Operation Fasin Yamma neutralised terrorists during firefights in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kebbi, rescuing nine victims and arresting 13 suspects. Air strikes on camps in Kankara and Faskari “killed scores”, he said.
Troops under Operation Enduring Peace in the North-Central responded to attacks across Plateau and Southern Kaduna, killing extremists, arresting 16 suspects and rescuing 10 victims.
Operation Whirl Stroke also made arrests in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba, rescuing six victims and recovering weapons.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over ₦12 million, destroyed four illegal refineries and arrested 25 suspects.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka neutralised several armed groups in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River, arresting four fighters and rescuing four hostages. Air strikes also hit terrorist hideouts in Ezeagu, destroying camps and logistics.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to rescuing remaining abducted students and urged Nigerians to share credible intelligence. He also appealed for support for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem.
“The Armed Forces will continue to operate within the law and sustain the momentum until peace is restored,” he said.
