By Uzair Adam
Nigerian troops have rescued 318 kidnapped victims, neutralised several terrorists, and arrested many others during coordinated operations across multiple regions in November, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
A statement issued on Thursday explained that the operations also led to the deactivation of 16 illegal crude oil refining sites and the prevention of suspected oil theft valued at over N217.6 million.
Troops additionally recovered thousands of litres of crude oil and AGO during the raids. The military assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the students recently abducted in Niger State.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters through land and air offensives carried out in several local government areas of Borno and Adamawa States.
The operations resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of collaborators, rescue of kidnapped victims, and destruction of terrorist camps and equipment.
In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out similar missions in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi States. Several terrorists were neutralised, suspects arrested, and kidnapped victims rescued.
Air operations also targeted hideouts in Kankara and Faskari, destroying camps and disrupting logistics networks.
Troops operating in the North Central under Operation Enduring Peace conducted raids in Plateau and Kaduna States, neutralising extremists, arresting suspects, and rescuing victims.
Additional missions under Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States led to more arrests, rescues, and recoveries of arms, vehicles, and livestock.
Operations extended to Kogi State and the FCT, where extremists were neutralised and more victims rescued.
In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against oil theft in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.
These operations thwarted theft valued in millions of naira, dismantled illegal refineries, and led to the arrest of oil thieves and other criminals.
Additional patrols also led to arrests and the seizure of arms and ammunition.
In the South East, under Operation Udoka, troops conducted raids across Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, and Cross River States.
The missions led to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrests, rescues, and the recovery of weapons and explosives. Air strikes in Ezeagu LGA destroyed terrorist camps and supply routes.
The military commended the troops for their bravery. It urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations and to support veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day initiative launched on December 2, 2025.
According to DHQ, the Armed Forces remain committed to lawful operations aimed at restoring peace across all affected parts of the country.