The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity across the country, with troops arresting no fewer than 450 suspects and rescuing 180 civilians in the month of September alone. The update, which underscores the intensity of ongoing counter-insurgency operations, was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba.
According to the DHQ, the operations were carried out across the six geopolitical zones, with troops of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy working in joint formations alongside other security agencies. The suspects, many of whom were apprehended during coordinated raids, ambushes, and patrols, are said to be linked to terrorist groups, kidnappers, and criminal gangs that have plagued various parts of the country.
In addition to the arrests, the military confirmed that 180 civilians, including women and children, were successfully rescued from captivity. These victims were reportedly held by bandits and insurgents in remote forests and settlements before being freed during clearance operations. The DHQ stressed that the safe return of these civilians reflects the military’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
Maj.-Gen. Buba noted that the arrests and rescues were complemented by the neutralisation of several insurgents and the recovery of large caches of weapons, ammunition, and logistics equipment. Items recovered include AK-47 rifles, machine guns, explosives, motorbikes, and communication gadgets, which were either seized from criminal hideouts or abandoned by fleeing fighters.
The DHQ explained that beyond the battlefield successes, troops also intensified intelligence-led operations, dismantling several hideouts and supply chains that had previously served as lifelines for terrorist groups. Security analysts say these disruptions are expected to weaken the operational capacity of armed groups and limit their ability to launch fresh attacks.
In the North East, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements remain active, troops conducted aerial bombardments and ground offensives that forced many insurgents to surrender. Similarly, in the North West and North Central, bandit camps were raided, leading to the liberation of kidnap victims and the arrest of informants and collaborators.
The DHQ also disclosed that in the South-South and South-East regions, troops intensified anti-bunkering and anti-smuggling operations. These efforts led to the destruction of several illegal refining sites, the arrest of economic saboteurs, and the seizure of stolen crude oil and other contraband. The military stressed that these actions are crucial to safeguarding national resources and curbing criminal networks that thrive on economic sabotage.
Maj.-Gen. Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until peace and stability are fully restored nationwide. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces with timely information, assuring that every effort is being made to protect lives and secure the country.
Security experts have described the September operations as a major boost for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and internal security efforts. However, they caution that consolidating these gains will require not only sustained military pressure but also increased investment in community development, intelligence sharing, and rehabilitation of rescued civilians.
The DHQ concluded by reiterating that the Armed Forces remain resolute in their mission to dismantle criminal networks, restore law and order, and create a safe environment for citizens to live and thrive.
