Nigeria Intensifies War on Terror as Defence Headquarters Unveils January Results

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria’s military has announced a series of nationwide operations in January that has led to the arrest of more than 450 suspects, the rescue of 284 kidnapped victims and the neutralisation of scores of armed groups across multiple regions.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations said the month-long operations reflected a renewed push to counter terrorism, banditry and other security threats confronting the country.

He further revealed that January had delivered “significant breakthroughs,” including the surrender of 124 terrorists and their family members, and the recovery of more than 210,000 litres of stolen crude oil alongside large quantities of petrol, diesel and kerosene. He described the month as one marked by “fierce engagements, decisive airstrikes and strategic ground manoeuvres” across at least 25 states.

In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai escalated offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP positions, killing top commanders, dismantling logistics networks and recovering weapons. Military sources said jihadist cells in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states “suffered considerable degradation,” with 74 suspects arrested and 40 kidnapped civilians rescued. Airstrikes also targeted ISWAP enclaves in the Tumbus and Timbuktu Triangle, killing senior figures identified as Qaid, Munzir, Basulhu and Ubaida.

In the North-West, forces under Operation FANSAN YAMMA mounted operations across ten states, neutralising dozens of bandits, intercepting arms shipments and rescuing 100 kidnap victims. One of the most significant strikes occurred in Shiroro, Niger State, where an air support mission decimated a gathering of armed groups following a distress call from ground troops.

The North-Central theatre saw similarly intense operations under Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke, with 86 criminals arrested in Plateau and parts of Kaduna, 58 suspects detained in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba, and 56 kidnap victims freed across both fronts. Troops also arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Amadu Adamu, in Jama’a, Kaduna State.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe continued its sustained clampdown on oil theft, destroying 53 illegal refining sites and seizing more than 280,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. At least 81 suspects were arrested while armed reconnaissance strikes targeted illegal bunkering vessels in Bakana and Abuloma.

In the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA reported a “notable drop in crime” across five states. More than 80 militants reportedly surrendered, while 22 suspects were arrested and 11 kidnap victims freed. Eight Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during a cross-border patrol along the Bakassi waterways.

Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces remained “professional, focused and unrelenting,” but warned that lasting peace would require stronger collaboration from political leaders, local communities and citizens. He urged Nigerians to maintain vigilance: “The Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra is simple—see something, say something.”

He praised the media for what he described as “responsible reporting” and appealed for continued cooperation. “We are adapting, innovating and responding decisively to evolving threats,” he said. “With national support, we will restore stability.”