By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State.
The assurance was given by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during the weekly briefing on military operations conducted between December 3 and 12, 2025.
“The Defence Headquarters assures that the remaining abducted children of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Agwara, Niger State, and other citizens being held captive will be rescued. Concerted efforts are ongoing to ensure their safety and quick reunion with their families,” he said.
Onoja cautioned against speculation and the spread of unverified reports capable of jeopardising rescue operations.
“We appreciate the concerns of parents and loved ones and reaffirm our commitment to safely recover all abductees. This remains a top priority, and efforts will continue until everyone in captivity is returned to their families,” he added.
He said troops also recorded significant achievements across all theatres of operation nationwide.
“Overall, our troops recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, dismantled criminal networks and denied terrorists and other criminals freedom of action across all theatres,” Onoja stated.
The DDMO further disclosed that in the North East, Operation HADIN KAI troops neutralised terrorists, arrested collaborators and rescued kidnapped victims, adding that in the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out coordinated offensives across several states.
“These aggressive operations, supported by air reconnaissance, led to the destruction of terrorist camps and paved the way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons,” he said.
According to him, in the North Central region, troops conducted multiple operations leading to arrests, recoveries and rescues.He also revealed that troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦15.6 million in the South-South.
“Troops also recovered over ₦6.6 million from kidnappers and their logistics suppliers, alongside arms, ammunition and motorcycles.
”In the South-South, troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦15.6 million.
“Our operations denied oil thieves critical revenue while strengthening the nation’s economic security,” Onoja disclosed.
In the South-East, he said troops rescued kidnapped victims and dismantled criminal infrastructure.
He said the military remains resolute in tackling all forms of insecurity.
“Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action across the country,” Onoja stated.
He called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.