The Nigerian military, working alongside other security agencies, says it neutralised no fewer than 20 terrorist commanders and their fighters across various theatres of operation in Northern Nigeria in 2025, as part of sustained efforts to tackle insurgency and banditry.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major-General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting a review of military operations carried out across the country during the outgoing year.
Among the insurgent leaders killed, according to the military, were Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu).
Other notorious bandits neutralised were identified by their aliases as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban, and Danja.
Major-General Onoja said that within the period under review, 4,375 suspects were arrested, 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered, while 2,336 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued by troops.
Breaking down the figures, the DMO said that in the North East, 1,323 suspects, including collaborators, gunrunners, sympathisers and spies, were arrested, 1,616 persons surrendered, and 498 kidnapped victims were rescued.
He noted that while the security situation in the North East remains relatively stable, the main threat continues to come from Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“Although these terrorist groups have been significantly degraded through joint operations by the military and other security agencies, they continue to conduct remote operations, isolated attacks on civilian and military targets, and plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to hinder troop movements,” Onoja said. “Nonetheless, the military remains vigilant and will continue to refine its tactics, techniques, and procedures to effectively counter these threats.”
He added that troops recovered assorted arms and ammunition, vehicles, equipment and ₦32 million in cash, while several terrorist camps and hideouts were destroyed.
“These actions significantly degraded the terrorists’ fighting capabilities, compelling them to surrender in large numbers and denying them freedom of action. Overall, troops’ efforts in the Northeast have revitalised commercial and agricultural activities, facilitated the return of local authorities, and enabled Internally Displaced Persons to resettle in their respective communities,” he said.
In the North West, Onoja disclosed that several terrorists were killed, 669 suspects were arrested, and 966 kidnapped victims were rescued. Troops also intercepted arms, ammunition, equipment and large sums of money believed to be meant for ransom payments and illegal arms purchases.
He said modern military assets, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other high-calibre equipment, were deployed in the zone to improve operational effectiveness.
On the reported joint United States–Nigeria airstrikes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the DMO confirmed that the strikes targeted two major Islamic State (ISIS) enclaves in the Bauni Forest axis.
According to him, intelligence reports identified the locations as key meeting points for foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region.
“A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed via MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, effectively neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to reach Nigeria via the Sahel corridor,” he said.
However, Onoja declined to provide further details, stating that the operation remains classified. He added that Nigerians would be briefed fully “at the right time.”
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