By Paul Ebi
The Nigerian Army has launched one of its most sweeping nationwide offensives in recent months, crushing multiple terror, kidnapping, trafficking and criminal networks across the country between 29 November and 1 December 2025.
In a high-impact series of coordinated strikes, troops neutralized eight terrorists, arrested 51 suspects, rescued 27 victims, and seized a powerful cache of weapons, ammunition and illegal items, reaffirming the military’s resolve to dismantle violent groups wherever they operate.
NORTH EAST: ISWAP/JAS CELLS HIT HARD IN BORNO
In Borno State, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 152 Task Force Battalion and 192 Battalion executed precision ambush and clearance missions, killing four ISWAP/JAS fighters attempting to infiltrate communities around Chibok
Recovered items included:
3 AK-47 rifles
4 AK-47 magazines loaded with 70 rounds of 7.62mm
31 rounds of 12.7mm
171 rounds of 7.62x54mm linked
183 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO
AK-47 working part
Baofeng communication radio
No civilian victims were found in the area, but troops successfully halted terrorist movement toward vulnerable settlements.
NORTH CENTRAL & NORTH WEST: MASS RESCUES, HUMAN TRAFFICKING RINGS BUSTED
A sweeping set of operations under Operation WHIRL STROKE and Operation ENDURING PEACE led to the rescue of 20 persons across Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna and Delta States.
Breakdown:
Panyam, Plateau: 3 rescued; 2 suspected kidnappers arrested
Zaki-Biam, Benue: 1 rescued
Tsanyawa/Kankia axis: 6 adult females + 1 minor (7 total) rescue
Yagba West, Kogi: 4 rescued
Odo Eri, Kogi: 1 rescued
Sanga LGA, Kaduna: 2 rescued
Isoko North, Delta: 2 adult females rescued
Troops simultaneously cracked down on multiple criminal enterprises:
4 human traffickers arrested in Sardauna, Taraba
3 extremist collaborators held in Ukum, Benue
13 illegal miners nabbed in Lau, Taraba
2 cultists arrested in Delta
1 major gunrunner apprehended in Plateau
With 25 drug suspects arrested in Bayelsa and Rivers, total suspects across all theatres reached 51.
TARABA: VIOLENT EXTREMISTS FALL IN KARIM LAMIDO
Troops responded to a violent communal clash in Karim Lamido, where they neutralized four extremists and recovered:
1 fabricated AK-47 rifle
3 Dane guns
25 rounds of 7.62mm special
2 motorcycles
In Plateau, security forces also recovered 76 rustled cattle, returning them to their rightful owners.
SOUTH-SOUTH: ILLEGAL REFINERY SHUT DOWN, DRUG SYNDICATES SQUEEZED
Anti-oil theft units smashed an illegal refining site holding 1,000 litres of stolen crude.Joint raids with the NDLEA led to 25 arrests linked to narcotics distribution, deepening the squeeze on drug networks fueling criminality.
KADUNA: MASSIVE EXPLOSIVES INTERCEPTED
A major breakthrough came when troops intercepted vehicles carrying:
5,000kg of gelatine explosives
3,000m of cordtex fuse
10 electric detonators
1,000m of connecting wire
Investigations involving other security agencies are underway to uncover the wider network behind the attempted transport.
MAJOR GUNRUNNER ‘ALHAJI’ ARRESTED
One of the most significant arrests was that of notorious arms dealer Shuaibu Isah (a.k.a. Alhaji), caught while attempting to receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition from associates who are now being hunted.
ARMY: ‘NO SAFE HAVEN FOR TERROR OR CRIME’
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to maintain relentless pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, traffickers, cultists and all criminal collaborators nationwide.
“We remain committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and ensuring that no criminal network finds refuge anywhere in this country,” the Army stated.
The latest operations signal a renewed and aggressive posture, with security forces showing increased coordination across regions as the year draws to a close.
