Nigerian troops are recording marked success in their ongoing onslaught against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.
A series of coordinated and swift actions over recent days has resulted in rescued hostages, destroyed camps, neutralised fighters, and a major disruption of illicit activities, signalling a robust response to the nation’s security challenges.
The recent string of military successes came just days after President Bola Tinubu’s strategic shake-up of the nation’s service chiefs and his subsequent directive for a more aggressive and result oriented approach to security.
The new military leadership was given a clear mandate to dismantle criminal networks and restore security across the country. The swift and decisive operations appear to be a direct and immediate response to that presidential order.
The renewed push was notably demonstrated in Kogi State, where troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base Oguma successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money meant for their release.
The operation, which took place on 2 November 2025, was launched after troops received credible intelligence on kidnapping activities. A military spokesperson confirmed the troops “acted swiftly on the information and projected a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits.”
While en route, the patrol came under fire from the criminals. “In the ensuing exchange, the gallant soldiers engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon two victims along with the ransom money,” the army stated.
Following the encounter, the troops rescued the victims and recovered the sum of ₦3,800,000. “The rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them,” a lieutenant said, confirming the victims are now in safe custody.
Simultaneously, in the north, troops protected the Shanono community in Kano State from a bandit incursion. Acting on a tip-off about bandit movements, troops of 3 Brigade supported by other security agencies raided the area. “The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandits movements in the area,” a press release detailed.
A heavy firefight ensued, and it was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralised during the encounter. The troops “successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and 2 mobile phones from the criminals.” The victory came at a cost, as the army regretfully noted that “2 gallant soldiers and one local Vigilante paid the supreme sacrifice.”
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assured law-abiding citizens of the army’s “committment to maintaining peace and security in the State, while working together with the sister Services and security agencies.”
Further illustrating the breadth of the offensive, troops in Taraba State destroyed a major bandits’ camp. Acting on credible intelligence, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army conducted a clearance patrol through several villages.
“During the operation, the troops received another intelligence at Kofar Ahmadu village that bandits were sighted around TY Farm in Tati,” an army spokesman said.
“The troops immediately headed towards the area… and made contact with the criminals. Confronted with the troops’ superior firepower, the bandits fled deep into the forest.” The troops subsequently discovered and destroyed their major camp at TY Farm, effectively denying the criminals a safe haven. The commander commended the troops for their “swift response, gallantry, and professionalism.”
The most comprehensive operations were reported in the North East, where troops of Operation HADIN KAI have been engaged in intense counter-terrorism efforts. Between October 25 and 31, 2025, they successfully thwarted multiple terrorist attacks, including an attempted suicide bombing. “On October 25, troops foiled terrorists’ attempt to force their way into Kukawa Town using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED),” a defence official reported. “The vehicle was eventually neutralised by a T-55 tank, preventing a catastrophic attack.”
In a separate operation, troops, in cooperation with the Civilian Joint Task Force, discovered and safely disposed of three Improvised Explosive Devices, averting potential sabotage on major supply routes. A follow-up operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and four bicycles.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their “gallantry, professionalism, and renewed commitment to ensuring security and stability in the North East region.”
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its call for public support, urging citizens “to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities”
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