…As NAF kills 2,351 terrorists in 274 interdiction missions
By Kingsley Omonobi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that Nigerian troops rescued 2,336 kidnapped victims, arrested 4,375 suspects, and received 1,616 surrendered terrorists and their family members across the country in 2025.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the operations, conducted jointly with other security agencies, led to the neutralisation of several top terrorist commanders, including Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, and others.
He added that Operation Delta Safe thwarted oil theft valued at over N8.9 billion, recovering more than 16.6 million litres of crude oil, 1.25 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 407,734 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1.5 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The troops also destroyed 503 illegal refining sites.
Onoja said the North East remains relatively stable, though Boko Haram and ISWAP continue isolated attacks and plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In 2025, troops neutralized key terrorist leaders, arrested 1,323 suspects, and rescued 498 hostages, recovering arms, ammunition, vehicles, and N32 million in cash.
In the North West, troops combated banditry, kidnapping, and attacks from Boko Haram/ISWAP, arresting 669 suspects and rescuing 966 kidnapped victims. Modern equipment, including MRAP vehicles, enhanced operational effectiveness.
The North Central Zone faced armed banditry, terrorism, and herder-farmer conflicts. Troops arrested 802 suspects, rescued 217 kidnapped victims, and seized illegal arms and ammunition, dominating the area through Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke.
In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe neutralised 778 criminals, rescued 53 kidnapped victims, and foiled oil theft worth N8.9 billion, while discovering 503 illegal refining sites.
In the South East, troops tackled IPOB/ESN activities, neutralising scores of extremists, arresting 324 suspects, and rescuing 64 kidnapped persons. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered.
Onoja warned that terrorists and armed herders are relocating to new areas due to military pressure. He urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, assuring that the Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding lives and national security.
NAF kills 2,351 terrorists
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it achieved one of its most decisive operational years in 2025, neutralising 2,351 terrorists through sustained, intelligence-driven air operations across multiple theatres nationwide.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, stated, “These achievements were realised through 274 Air Interdiction (AI) missions flown in 379 combat sorties, targeting terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, training camps, and mobility corridors. The AI missions alone accounted for approximately 800 flight hours, highlighting the NAF’s operational reach and dominance.”
He added, “Beyond neutralising terrorists, our air campaign disrupted supply chains, severed mobility routes, and degraded leadership structures in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, denying hostile elements freedom of movement and sanctuary. These efforts enabled surface forces to reclaim contested areas, stabilise vulnerable communities, and weaken the morale of terrorist and bandit groups.”
In the Niger Delta, NAF operations also targeted oil thieves and criminal syndicates. “Precision strikes destroyed hundreds of illegal refining reservoirs, 126 storage tanks, and several boats, degrading the capacity of illicit actors to fund violence, improving oil production, and reinforcing national economic resilience,” Ejodame said.
Commenting on the achievements, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said, “The outcomes of 2025 demonstrate the growing precision, effectiveness, and lethality of NAF air power.
These results are driven by intelligence-led targeting, improved platform availability, enhanced crew proficiency, and integration with surface forces and other security agencies.”
He further credited the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for investments in modern platforms, personnel welfare, training, and infrastructure, which have strengthened operational readiness.
Looking ahead, Air Marshal Aneke assured Nigerians that “the NAF will intensify air operations in 2026 while strictly adhering to Rules of Engagement and International Humanitarian Law. Criminal and terrorist elements will find no safe haven. Misguided actors should renounce violence or face precise and overwhelming air power.”
The NAF also reaffirmed its commitment to civilian protection, continuous improvements in intelligence validation, and responsible mission conduct.
, urging Nigerians to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The post 2025: Military arrests 4,375 terrorists, rescues 2,336 kidnapped victims appeared first on Vanguard News.
