Troops Rescue 318 Hostages, Foil N217.6m Oil Theft

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Defence Headquarters has said Nigerian troops recorded significant progress across all theatres of operation in November, rescuing 318 kidnapped persons and foiling oil theft valued at N217,664,618.

This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during the Defence Headquarters’ monthly press briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.

He said November witnessed intensified pressure on criminal elements as several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other offenders were arrested, scores neutralised, while more than 69 fighters and their family members surrendered.

Mr Onoja said the achievements were made possible through the courage and professionalism of Armed Forces personnel, working alongside the Nigeria Police, other security agencies and with the support of citizens who continue to provide timely and actionable information.

Giving an update on Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, he explained that troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested their informants and logistics suppliers, recovered weapons and dismantled networks across the region.

He said between November 27 and December 3, 2025, troops carried out operations in Mafa, Ngala, Ngazai, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba and Chibok LGAs of Borno State, as well as Madagali and Song LGAs in Adamawa State.

“Scores of terrorists were neutralised. Six collaborators, informants and spies were arrested, while five kidnapped victims were rescued. Significant quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles were recovered, and several camps destroyed,” he stated.

In the North West known as Operation Fansan Yamma, troops conducted operations in Wurno and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State; Batsari, Kankara and Kankiya in Katsina State; Shanono and Tsanyawa in Kano State; and Birnin Kudu and Jahun in Jigawa State.

Operations were also intensified in Danko Wasagu, Dandi, Kebbe, Zuru and Bagudu LGAs of Kebbi State.

During these missions, several terrorists were neutralised, 13 arrested, and 9 kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered weapons, vehicles, livestock and other items.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recorded notable successes across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States. Between November 27 and December 2, 2025, troops conducted cordon-and-search operations at the residence of a suspected extremist, dismantled life-support structures, and cleared various hideouts.

Operations extended to Sardauna, Lau, Donga, Karim Lamido and Takum LGAs of Taraba State, and Gwer West and Katsina Ala LGAs of Benue State. Several extremists were neutralised, 20 suspects arrested, and 6 kidnapped victims rescued, with weapons and livestock recovered.

In adjoining operations between 27 November and 3 December, troops also operated in Lokoja, Kabba Bunu, Yagba West and Ijumu LGAs of Kogi State, as well as Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kwali in the FCT, neutralising extremists, arresting 12 suspects and rescuing 14 victims.

Mr Onoja said South-South troops in Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth N12,120,020, seizing 11,850 litres of crude oil and 540 litres of AGO, destroying four illegal refining sites and arresting 25 suspects.

Between November 27 and 29, troops conducted further offensive and air reconnaissance missions across Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers States, neutralising criminals and making three additional arrests.

Troops maintained an offensive posture throughout the week in Operation Udo Ka, conducting operations in Udenu and Oji River LGAs of Enugu State; Ikwo in Ebonyi State; and Bende and Biase in Abia and Cross River States.

Several terrorists were neutralised, four arrested, and four kidnapped victims rescued, with arms, vehicles and IED-making materials recovered.

Between November 28 and December 2, the Air Component carried out air interdiction missions at terrorist locations in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, striking targets with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment confirmed multiple terrorists neutralised and logistics destroyed.