Insecurity : DHQ Neutralises Criminals, Rescue Kidnapped Victims

The Defence Headquarters says the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide military operations against terrorists, bandits, oil thieves, kidnappers, and other criminal groups, recording significant successes between November 17 and 26, 2025.

This is contained in a statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and defending the nation’s sovereignty amid evolving security threats.

He said troops across all theatres sustained aggressive land and air operations, neutralising criminals, arresting their collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering large caches of arms and ammunition.

The Director explained that troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North Central region responded to multiple distress calls across Plateau and Kaduna States, killing extremists and arresting over 10 criminals, including a notorious kingpin, Umar Idi, also known as Lere.

He stated that
in the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and foiled oil theft operations valued at more than ₦173.7 million and seized over 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 63,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.

According to him troops destroyed 11 illegal refining sites, arrested 13 suspected oil thieves and recovered assorted weapons while a notorious cult leader, Dan Okposuogu, also known as Worldwide, was arrested alongside six others during operations in Rivers, Andoni and Akoko North-West, where three kidnap victims were rescued.

Major General Onoja commended the bravery and resilience of troops and urged them to sustain the tempo.

He called on Nigerians to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations, assuring that the Armed Forces remain professional, resolute, and committed to restoring peace and stability across the country.

PR/Aisha Adesanya