Military arrests medical doctor others in major crackdown in military operations across the country

By Zainab Uzomah

A medical doctor suspected of treating wounded militants has been arrested as Nigerian troops intensified nationwide operations that led to dozens of arrests, the rescue of at least 65 kidnapped people and the recovery of more than ₦22m in cash and stolen oil between 3 and 12 December 2025.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Defence Headquarters said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working with other security agencies, carried out coordinated operations across several states to counter terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft.

The military said the doctor was arrested on 3 December while travelling from Sokoto to Kwara State to allegedly treat injured militants. An arms dealer was also arrested two days later following intelligence-led operations. Both suspects are in custody and undergoing investigation.

Across the country, the armed forces reported killing “scores” of terrorists and extremists during firefights, although no overall figure was given. A total of 133 suspects were arrested during the period, including militants’ collaborators, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements. In addition, 11 illegal immigrants were apprehended and handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service.

The military said at least 65 people abducted by armed groups were rescued during the operations. They included victims freed from terrorist camps and kidnapping hideouts in multiple locations.

Troops also recovered large quantities of weapons and ammunition, including automatic firearms, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally made weapons and improvised explosive device-making materials. Vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics were seized, while several criminal camps and illegal refining sites were destroyed.

According to the statement, cash amounting to ₦6.6m was recovered from kidnappers and their logistics suppliers in the North Central region. In the oil-producing South South, troops foiled crude oil theft valued at ₦15,697,975, bringing the total value of cash and oil recovered nationwide during the period to about ₦22.3m.

The Defence Headquarters also said efforts were continuing to rescue the remaining abducted pupils of St Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara, Niger State, and other captives still being held. It urged the public and media to avoid speculation that could undermine rescue operations and encouraged the sharing of credible intelligence.

The military said the latest operations underscored its determination to deny terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups freedom of action, adding that troops would continue efforts to improve security and protect civilians across the country.