The Nigerian military, working alongside other security agencies, achieved significant victories against terrorism and banditry in 2025, eliminating key terrorist leaders and rescuing thousands of kidnapped victims.
Major Offensive Against Terrorist Leadership
In a comprehensive review of the year's operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, disclosed that no fewer than 20 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers were neutralised across various theatres in the northern part of the country. The slain commanders include high-profile figures such as Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, and Abba Allai, also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa.
Other notorious leaders taken out include Kingpin Auta, Abu Yazeed, and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu). The list also extends to infamous bandits operating under pseudonyms like Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban, and Danja. This strategic decapitation of leadership structures has been a cornerstone of the military's strategy.
Widespread Arrests and Rescues
Beyond the eliminations, the security forces made sweeping arrests and successful rescue missions. A total of 4,375 suspects were apprehended throughout the year. Furthermore, 1,616 individuals and their family members chose to surrender to the troops.
The most heartening statistic came in the form of 2,336 kidnapped victims who were successfully rescued from captivity. A detailed breakdown shows that in the Northeast alone, troops arrested 1,323 suspects—including collaborators, gunrunners, and spies—and rescued 498 hostages.
Major-General Onoja stated that while groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain a challenge, they have been significantly degraded. He acknowledged they still conduct remote operations, isolated attacks, and plant IEDs, but affirmed the military's continued vigilance and tactical refinement.
Recoveries and Regional Impact
The operations yielded substantial recoveries, crippling the terrorists' logistical and financial networks. Troops seized various arms, ammunition, vehicles, and equipment. They also recovered N32 million in cash. Several terrorist camps and hibernation areas were destroyed, severely limiting the groups' freedom of action.
In the Northwest zone, operations led to the killing of scores of terrorists, the arrest of 669 suspects, and the rescue of 966 hostages. Troops also intercepted large sums of money intended for ransom payments and weapon purchases. The integration of modern warfare equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, has enhanced combat effectiveness in the region.
Major-General Onoja highlighted a significant joint operation with the United States in Sokoto State. Precision airstrikes using MQ-9 Reaper drones targeted two major ISIS enclaves in the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area. Intelligence indicated these sites were assembly points for foreign ISIS operatives infiltrating from the Sahel. Sixteen GPS-guided munitions were deployed, successfully neutralising the threats.
The Defence Media Operations director noted that these concerted efforts have had a tangible positive impact, revitalising commercial and agricultural activities, facilitating the return of local authorities, and enabling Internally Displaced Persons to begin resettling in their home communities.
