By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified multi-theatre operations across the country, recording strategic gains in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, counter-kidnapping and anti-oil theft campaigns.
Operational data released by the Defence Headquarters for the period March 20 to 26 indicates a coordinated nationwide effort that led to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of arms, explosives and illicit petroleum products.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stated that the operations were driven by intelligence fusion, joint force coordination and sustained offensive posture.
According to him, “the Armed Forces maintained operational dominance, disrupting adversarial networks and degrading their capabilities across all theatres.”
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai focused on dismantling terrorist logistics and intelligence networks, leading to multiple arrests of informants and suppliers.
Recovered assets included assault rifles, ammunition and logistics materials, underscoring ongoing efforts to weaken insurgent supply chains.
In the North-West, operations under Operation Fansan Yamma combined ground assaults with air support to target terrorist enclaves, resulting in neutralisation of fighters and destruction of infrastructure.
The rescue of a kidnapped local government official in Kano highlighted the operational reach of security forces.
The North-Central theatre witnessed intensified counter-kidnapping and counter-terrorism operations, with multiple rescue missions executed in Plateau and Kogi States.
Security forces also disrupted planned attacks through the interception of explosive materials and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices in Niger State.
Onoja noted that “these proactive operations prevented potential large-scale incidents and enhanced public safety.”
Further gains included the arrest of illegal miners, including foreign nationals, pointing to the intersection between resource exploitation and insecurity.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops engaged armed groups in Benue and adjoining states, neutralising combatants and dismantling criminal networks involved in violent attacks and cattle rustling.
In the South-South, the military sustained pressure on the illicit oil economy, dismantling refining sites and recovering significant volumes of stolen crude and refined products.
Data from the operations indicate the recovery of thousands of litres of petroleum products and destruction of multiple illegal refining installations.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka targeted IPOB/ESN networks, with troops conducting clearance operations, destroying illegal refining infrastructure and neutralising explosive threats.
The safe detonation of improvised explosive devices underscored ongoing efforts to secure critical routes and населated areas.
The Defence Headquarters emphasised that the cumulative outcomes reflect enhanced inter-agency synergy and sustained operational effectiveness.
“The Armed Forces will continue to sustain offensive operations until all threats to national security are neutralised,” Onoja stated.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, to troops and stakeholders, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide.