The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Wednesday announced that its troops killed more that 24 key terrorist commanders in 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, told journalists in Abuja while reviewing the activities of the Nigerian military in 2025 also said that 4,375 terrorists and insurgents were also arrested during the same period.
According to General Onoja: “Within the year, troops in conjunction with other security stakeholders neutralized several top terrorists’ commanders, their lieutenants and their foot soldiers, including; Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka 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 (aka Onowu).
“Others include notorious bandits with the pseudo names; Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja. Troop also arrested Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Five (4,375) suspects, and received One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) surrendered terrorists and their family members, while Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Six (2,336) kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.
“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft valued at Eight Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Six Naira (N8,918,647,206.00).
“The breakdown includes the recovery of Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Two (16, 623,542) litres of stolen crude oil, One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Four (1,255,674) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Four Hundred and Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty Four (407,734) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and One Million, Five Hundred and Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Three (1,508,823) litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Furthermore, troops discovered and destroyed over Five Hundred and Three (503) illegal refining sites. During this briefing, I will provide an overview of the activities conducted by the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (JTF NE OPHK), Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Joint Task Force North Central Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF NC OPEP), and Joint Task Force North Central Operation WHIRL STROKE (JTF NC OPWS). After which, we will discuss the successes achieved by the Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE (JTF SS OPDS) and Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA (JTF SE OPUK) respectively.
“NORTH EAST GEOPOLITICAL ZONE (OPERATION HADIN KAI).
”The security situation in the North East Zone, the DDMO said remains “relatively stable, with the primary security challenge posed by Boko Haram Terrorists and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“Although these terrorist groups have been significantly degraded through joint operations by the military and other security agencies, they continue to conduct remote operations, isolated attacks on civilian and military targets, and plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to hinder troop movements. “Nonetheless, the military remains vigilant and will continue to refine its Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures to effectively counter these threats.
“During the year, the troops’ operational prowess led to the neutralization of top terrorist commanders, sectional and sub-lieutenant commanders, as well as scores of their foot soldiers (some of whom were mentioned in the opening remarks), One Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Three (1,323) suspects were arrested alongside their collaborators, gunrunners, sympathizers, and spies and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) terrorists surrendered to the troops, while Four Hundred and Ninety Eight (498) kidnapped hostages were rescued. Troops also recovered various arms, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, and a cumulative sum of Thirty-Two Million Naira (N32,000,000.00) in cash.
“Furthermore, several terrorist camps and hibernation areas were destroyed. These actions significantly degraded the terrorists’ fighting capabilities, compelling them to surrender in large numbers and denying them freedom of action. Overall, troops’ efforts in the North East have revitalized commercial and agricultural activities, facilitated the return of local authorities, and enabled Internally Displaced Persons to resettle in their respective communities.”
“The North-West Zone of the country faced threats from the Lakurawa terrorist group, Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, armed banditry, kidnapping, and imposition of illegal levies on the local population by these groups.
“The terrorists exploited the porosity of the northern borders and the remoteness of North-West flashpoints to conduct their operations.
“However, through a deep understanding of the terrorists’ modus operandi, troops implemented effective preventive measures to deter attacks on civilians and military formations in the region. “Additionally, modern warfare equipment and intelligence aids, including Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other high-caliber weapons, were integrated into our operations to enhance the troops’ combat effectiveness.
“In furtherance of the counter-banditry efforts in the NorthWest, a reinvigorated partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States, precision strike operations were successfully executed against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
“Intelligence reports had confirmed these sites as key assembly and staging points for foreign ISIS operatives infiltrating from the Sahel region, working alongside local affiliates to orchestrate large-scale attacks within Nigeria. A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed via MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, effectively neutralizing the targeted ISIS elements attempting to reach Nigeria via the Sahel corridor.
“During the operation, debris from the munitions landed in Jabo within Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises, but no civilian casualties were reported, and authorities swiftly secured the sites.
“The DHQ reaffirms its steadfast commitment to combating and eradicating terrorist threats, especially from transnational networks aiming to compromise national sovereignty and security.
“This emphasizes the Armed Forces of Nigeria alignment with strategic partners and allies to promote border security, regional stability, and lasting peace.
“Nigerians are assured of the government’s firm grip on the national security framework, with a pledge to safeguard lives and property, while citizens are encouraged to stay calm, vigilant, and supportive as decisive measures persist against all terrorist entities.
“The Defence Headquarters is acutely aware of terrorist factions relocating to some communities in response to military pressure carried out on terrorist locations.
“The purported influx of armed herders into certain communities is being viewed seriously. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets are actively monitoring terrorist movements across various operational theatres. Several movements have been identified and are presently being tracked.
“Communities are urged to maintain composure, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies. Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies’ formations.
“The Defence Headquarters remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and upholding national security.
“The CDS has asked me to assure personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that their welfare remains a top priority, as we enter the new year, may they receive renewed strength, peace, and hope. May it also be a reminder that your service is valued, your sacrifices are recognized, and your efforts will never be in vain.
“Let me assure you all that this coming year 2026, the AFN and other security stake holders will redouble efforts in the fight against terrorism and other sundry crimes. In line with the Armed Force Remembrance activities, the CDS on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria salutes the sacrifices of our veterans.
“”On behalf of the CDS and the entire AFN, I wish our gallant troops, Defence Correspondents and your lovely families a prosperous, peaceful New Year.”
