We have rescued 5,365 individuals, neutralised 6,260 security threats in two years — Defence HQ
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has disclosed that military operations across the country have rescued 5,365 civilians and neutralised 6,260 security threats over the past two years, reflecting significant advances in national security.
This was made known on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, during an expanded media briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Providing a detailed breakdown of the achievements, Abu-Mawashi revealed that 14,138 terrorists and other criminals were apprehended in nationwide operations, while thousands of weapons and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition were recovered from various theatres of operation.
In the Niger Delta region, the military recovered stolen crude oil and petroleum products valued at ₦83 billion. Additionally, 103 criminals were killed, 2,760 arrested, and 266 civilians rescued.
In the Northeast, comprising operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, 1,246 terrorists were eliminated, 2,467 arrested, and 1,920 civilians rescued. Troops recovered 982 weapons and 2,153 rounds of ammunition.
In the Northwest, 1,374 bandits, including senior commanders, were neutralised. The military also arrested 2,160 suspects, rescued 3,288 hostages, and seized 947 weapons along with 25,802 rounds of ammunition.
In the North Central zone, 730 terrorists and violent extremists were killed, 7,153 arrested, and 1,510 civilians rescued. The region also saw the recovery of 1,065 weapons and 19,709 rounds of ammunition.
In the Southeast, under the Joint Task Force operation, 440 terrorists were killed, 1,677 individuals arrested, and 294 civilians rescued. A total of 683 weapons and 21,300 rounds of ammunition were also recovered.
For the Southwest region, another Joint Task Force operation led to the death of 80 criminals, arrest of 1,763 others, and the rescue of 89 kidnapped victims. The military also recovered 143 weapons and an impressive 177,904 rounds of ammunition.
In response to these achievements, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the Armed Forces for what he described as “two years of strategic recalibration in Nigeria’s security architecture.” He stated that the improved outcomes in military engagements were both visible and measurable, crediting the Service Chiefs for their leadership.
“The President has asked me to convey his appreciation to our Service Chiefs for their resolute commitment, discipline and patriotism,” Idris said, adding that the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces regularly go beyond the call of duty.
Reflecting on the broader security gains, Idris said, “We are witnessing not just a containment of security threats, but a steady reclaiming of national territory in both physical and psychological terms. Nigerians can now travel with greater confidence, as our highways are markedly safer than they were just a few years ago.”
The Minister further praised the Armed Forces for successes across all fronts, from the dismantling of insurgent camps in the Northeast to the disruption of bandit operations in the Northwest and North Central, as well as improved maritime patrols that have curbed crude oil theft and dismantled illegal refining operations.
He also cited the Nigerian Air Force’s strategic air raids which, according to him, have severely impaired the mobility and logistics of criminal networks nationwide.
On the role of the press, Idris encouraged media practitioners to support the nation-building process through balanced reporting. “The media should not only report what has gone wrong, but also document the progress being made. Recognise the efforts of our troops. Share the victories. Give context to the challenges. That is the essence of responsible journalism,” he said.
Idris also assured that the Tinubu administration remains committed to supporting the military, not only through modern equipment but also with strategic policies that reinforce intelligence, foster inter-agency collaboration, and improve personnel welfare.
He commended the leadership of the Service Chiefs for their patriotic and results-oriented approach. “You have restored hope, protected lives, defended our sovereignty, and reminded us all of the essence of service to country,” he said.
The Minister concluded with a call for wider stakeholder engagement. “Let us all, especially the media, recognise and amplify the progress. It is a powerful morale booster for our brave men and women in uniform who continue to work selflessly for a safer, stronger Nigeria.”