Defence Headquarters says the Nigerian military raised the bar in the war against terror under current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede as troops across the country rescued no fewer than 318 kidnap victims just as 61 terrorists and their families surrendered in November.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that troops rescued the 318 kidnap victims and eliminated a humongous number of terrorists across various theatres of operation in November.
New Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a maiden briefing of defence correspondents on military operations across the country. He officially assumed office on November 14, 2025, replacing Major General O.M. Bello.
Speaking on ongoing military operations nationwide, Maj. Gen Micheal Onoja who had once served as Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to immediate past CDS (now Minister of Defence), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the new CDS General Olufemi Oluyede, had sustained the tempo by implementing robust and innovative strategies to counter emerging and persistent threats.
According to him, intensified intelligence gathering, enhanced joint operations with security agencies, and deeper community engagement were already improving response capabilities and strengthening the overall security architecture of the country.
Maj-Gen Micheal Onoja,
revealed that the troops carried out clearance operations, intelligence -led raids and targeted air and maritime strikes across the North East, North West, North Central, South East, and South South regions simultaneously recording major victories.
According to him, the operations led to the killing of several terrorists and bandits, while 69 criminal elements and their family members surrendered voluntarily.
“In a major boost to security, 318 kidnap victims were rescued, and oil theft worth over N217.6 million was foiled, with 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO recovered. 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated during the operations.
“North East – Operation HADIN KAI saw troops eliminate several terrorists, arrest six collaborators, and rescue five kidnap victims in Borno and Adamawa states.
“Air support missions reinforced ground operations, destroying terrorist camps.
“North West – Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the neutralisation of multiple terrorists, 13 arrests, and nine rescued victims across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi states.
“Air interdictions destroyed enemy logistics and hideouts,” he said.
Major General Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE apprehended 32 suspects, neutralised multiple extremists, rescued 20 kidnap victims, and recovered arms and vehicles in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In the South-South, he said troops under Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft worth N12.12 million, destroyed four illegal refining sites, and arrested 25 oil thieves.
In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDOKA neutralised several terrorists, arrested four suspects, rescued four kidnap victims, and destroyed terrorist camps and logistics.
He commended the troops for their professionalism and urged citizens to continue to provide credible intelligence to aid military operations.
He also highlighted recent improvements in troop welfare including increased Ration Cash Allowance and the distribution of modern equipment as key elements of the CDS’ “Soldiers First” agenda, aimed at boosting morale and operational effectiveness.
“These reforms underscore a holistic approach to security, addressing not only the operational environment but also the welfare of frontline personnel,” Oroja said.
He enjoined Nigerians to support veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched on Tuesday.
The new Defence Media Operations director pledged to promote prompt, accurate, transparent and accountable information dissemination in the quest to create stronger military–media collaboration, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation between the military and the media in the deepening of transparency in the reporting of ongoing security operations across the country.
Describing journalists as “heroes of democracy,” Onoja commended the media for its unwavering support to the Armed Forces over the years through investigative reporting, public enlightenment, and accountability journalism.
“You uphold the principles of free speech and informed citizenship that form the bedrock of our democracy. Your contributions have been instrumental in strengthening national institutions and empowering our people,” he said.
However, Gen. Onoja cautioned against unethical practices among a few practitioners who, he noted, sometimes published unverified or sensational stories capable of undermining public trust.
“I urge you to continue promoting high standards that prioritize verification above virality. In times like these, where insecurity poses significant threats, the Defence Headquarters needs you more than ever,” he added.
He assured journalists that the Defence Headquarters remained fully open for engagement, especially on clarification of ongoing operations or emerging security concerns.
“My door, and those of senior officers in this department, remain open. I encourage you to reach out directly for the official military perspective on any circulating narratives,” he said.
Maj. Gen Onoja announced plans to increase the frequency of briefings and introduce fact-checking mechanisms and collaborative workshops to support responsible and accurate security reporting.
“As we embark on this new chapter, we all share the responsibility of promoting peace, unity, and national security,” he said, before opening the floor to questions.
The briefing marked a new chapter in a new all-embracing media–military synergy aimed at dislodging misinformation and reinforcing public confidence in ongoing security efforts nationwide.
