Troops Kill Terrorist Commanders, Rescue 2,336 Hostages Nationwide in 2025
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian Military have killed several notorious terrorist commanders, arrested tens to hundreds of suspects and rescued no fewer than 2,336 kidnapped victims across the country in 2025.
This was disclosed by the Defence Headquarters in its year-end briefing on ongoing military operations nationwide, covering activities from January to December.
According to the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops operating in collaboration with other security agencies neutralised high-profile terrorist and bandit leaders, including Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai, also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa, Amir Abu Fatimah and Nwachi Eze.
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Others killed during military operations include notorious bandits identified by pseudo names such as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.
Onoja added that a total of 4,375 suspects were arrested during the year, while 1,616 terrorists surrendered alongside their family members.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province, (ISWAP) terrorists, neutralising several commanders and foot soldiers.
The DHQ disclosed that 1,323 suspects were arrested in the region, while 498 kidnapped victims were rescued.
The military also recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles and N32m in cash, while destroying terrorist camps and enclaves.
In the North-West, where banditry and terrorism persisted, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised several terrorists, arrested 669 suspects and rescued 966 kidnapped victims.
The Director confirmed that joint precision air strikes were conducted against ISIS enclaves in the Bauni Forest axis of Sokoto State, targeting foreign fighters attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the Sahel.
Operations in the North-Central zone under ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE led to the arrest of over 1,200 suspects and the rescue of more than 700 abducted persons.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised scores of terrorists linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN), arrested 324 suspects and rescued 64 kidnapped persons.
The military assured Nigerians that operations would be intensified in 2026 to prevent terrorists and criminals from regrouping.
