Nigerian Army Reports Major Breakthrough In Nationwide Operations

A few days can change the tone of a country, and this past week showed that clearly. The Nigerian Army announced a sweeping series of coordinated operations that, according to officials, disrupted criminal networks, rescued victims, and prevented several planned attacks across multiple states. The update came through the Army’s verified Facebook page and quickly drew national attention.

Between November 29 and December 1, 2025, eight terrorists were neutralized, 51 suspects were arrested, 27 victims were rescued, and a significant haul of weapons and stolen materials was recovered. Security analysts say these numbers reflect one of the most extensive multi-state operations in recent months.

Troops in Borno State, operating under the 151 Task Force Battalion, 152 Task Force Battalion, and 192 Battalion, reportedly neutralized four ISWAP and JAS militants during ambush and clearance missions. They also blocked infiltration attempts around the Chibok area and recovered three AK-47 rifles, several magazines, assorted ammunition, a functional rifle component, and a Baofeng radio.

Across the Middle Belt, troops under Operations WHIRL STROKE and ENDURING PEACE rescued 20 victims, including women and a child. The operations spanned Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, and Delta States, highlighting the coordinated nature of the security response.

Meanwhile, security forces arrested 51 suspects nationwide. Those detained include individuals linked to kidnapping, human trafficking, extremist financing, illegal mining, cult activities, and gunrunning. Authorities say these arrests form part of a broader effort to weaken criminal supply chains.

In Bayelsa and Rivers States, joint actions with the NDLEA led to the arrest of 25 narcotics suspects. Troops responding to communal clashes in Karim Lamido, Taraba, neutralized four violent extremists and recovered two motorcycles, ammunition, Dane guns, and a fake AK-47 rifle.

Additional highlights include:
• Recovery of 76 rustled livestock in Plateau State, later returned to their owners
• Destruction of an illegal refinery site in the South South that held about 1,000 liters of stolen petroleum
• Seizure of trucks in Kaduna transporting 5,000 kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000 metres of cordtex fuse, detonators, and related materials
• Arrest of a known gunrunner, Shuaibu Isah, also called Alhaji, who authorities say was attempting to secure 1,000 rounds of ammunition from fleeing partners

The Nigerian Army noted that it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and improving nationwide security. For many citizens, these results bring a bit of reassurance at a time when insecurity has felt overwhelming.

If anything, the past week shows how layered the fight against crime has become and how much coordination is required behind the scenes. Maybe it is not a full solution yet, but it signals that progress is possible when effort is consistent.