The Defence Headquarters says the Nigerian Armed Forces achieved “significant progress” in November against terrorists, bandits and other criminal networks nationwide, rescuing 318 kidnapped victims and compelling more than 69 insurgents and their family members to surrender.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing in Abuja, pledging a new era of transparency and deeper collaboration with the media. He urged journalists to uphold accuracy and avoid sensationalism, noting that their role was “invaluable” to national security efforts.

Onoja said troops across all theatres intensified clearance operations, intelligence-led raids, air interdictions and maritime patrols, neutralising numerous fighters and arresting dozens of informants, logistics suppliers and kidnappers. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles and explosives were recovered, while several terrorist hideouts were dismantled.

In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai killed several Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants, arrested six collaborators and rescued five hostages in Borno and Adamawa. Air operations also struck ISWAP targets in Dikwa, Marte and Gajibo.

In the North-West, Operation Fasin Yamma forces engaged terrorists in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kebbi, killing multiple fighters, rescuing nine victims and arresting 13 suspects. Air strikes on camps in Kankara and Faskari “killed scores,” Onoja said.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in the North-Central region responded to attacks in Plateau and Southern Kaduna, neutralising extremists, arresting 16 suspects and rescuing 10 victims. Operation Whirl Stroke also made key arrests in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba, rescuing six victims and seizing weapons.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe disrupted oil-theft activities valued at over ₦12 million, destroyed four illegal refineries and arrested 25 suspects. Meanwhile in the South-East, Operation Udo Ka neutralised several armed groups in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River, arresting four fighters and rescuing four hostages. Air strikes in Ezeagu also destroyed camps and logistics sites.

Maj. Gen. Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to rescuing remaining abducted students and called on citizens to provide credible intelligence. He also appealed for public support ahead of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

“The Armed Forces will continue to operate within the law and sustain the momentum until peace is restored,” he said.