Nigerian Military Rescues 318 Kidnapped Victims, Save N217.7m Crude Oil

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) rescued 318 kidnapped victims from terrorists across the country in November, 2025, Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations (DDMO) said on Thursday in Abuja.

General Onoja told journalists while giving a review of activities of frontline soldiers combating insecurity in the country that many terrorists were also killed during the month.

According to Onoja: “For the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued. Troops foiled oil theft worth Two Hundred and Seventeen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighteen Naira (N217,664,618.00) representing quantity 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated.

“In the last one weeek, he said, the Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) troops sustained its operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region.

“Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre. Soldiers neutralized many terrorists in Mafa, Ngala, Ngazai, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba and Chibok LGAs of Borno State. Similar operation was conducted in Madagali and Song LGAs of Adamawa State.

“Also, 6 of their collaborators, informants, sympathizers and spies were arrested, while 5 kidnapped victims were rescued. Significant quantities of arms and ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles were also recovered, while their camps were destroyed. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.

“Air Support Missions. ​On 26 November 2025, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided several Close Air Support sorties to ground troops in Dikwa, New Marte and Gajibo general Area of Borno State. The air support increased troop’s will to fight against the ISWAP/BH terrorists.

“For instance, from 27 November – 3 December 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Anka, Maradun and Talata Mafara LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops conducted operations in Wurno and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Batsari, Kankara, and Kankiya LGAs of Katsina State.

“Other areas covered during the week include Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs of Kano State as well as Birnin Kudu and Jahun LGAs of Jigawa State. Similarly, troops intensified their operations to Dankon Wasagu, Dandi, Kebbe, Zuru and Bagudu LGAs of Kebbi State.

“During these operations, several terrorists were neutralised, 13 of them were apprehended, while 9 kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles, livestock and other household items were recovered from them.

“Air Interdiction. Between 27 November – 3 December 2025, the Air Component of Operation FASAN YAMMA conducted a coordinated mission at Sanusi Ikku’s enclave in Kankara LGA and another mission at terrorists hibernation area in Faskari LGA of Katsina State.

“Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in several sectors. For instance, from 27 – 29 November 2025, troops conducted offensive operations, intelligence surveillance and air interdiction as well as responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Pankshin, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.

“During the firefights, some extremists were neutralized, 16 other criminals were arrested, while 10 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from the extremists.

“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba state recorded some successes in their Area of Operational Responsibility. Between 27 November – 2 December 2025, troops conducted several operations including Cordon and Search at the residence of a suspect extremists identified as Mallam Ibrahin in Ardo Kola LGA of Taraba State and destruction of extremist’s life support structure in Ukum LGA of Benue State.

“Other areas covered are Sardauna, Lau, Donga, Karim Lamido and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Gwer West and Katsina Ala LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops neutralised several extremists, arrested 20 suspects, while 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition, vehicles and livestock were also recovered from them” among other successes.”

General Onoja said: “Defence Headquarters wishes to commend the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain the momentum. The AFN solicits continued sharing of credible information with troops to enhance our operations. We continue to solicits the support of all Nigerians in this regard. We also call for support for the veterans by supporting the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem that was launched by Mr President on the 2 Dec 25 at the Presidential Villa.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is dedicated to continue to operate within the ambit of the law. We convey our assurances that we are enhancing our operational tempo in the light of the renewed security threats until peace is returned to all troubled areas of the country.

“The AFN also wishes to inform all Nigerians that we are emplacing all necessary measures, systems and activities humanly possible to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned to their families unhurt.”