By Cross Udo, with agency report
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops rescued no fewer than 318 kidnapped victims and eliminated scores of terrorists across theatres of operation in November.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja stated this during a briefing to journalists on the military’s operations in Abuja on Thursday.
Onoja said the troops conducted clearance operations, intelligence-driven raids, and targeted air and maritime strikes across the North East, North West, North Central, South East, and South South regions.
He said the efforts led to the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and bandits, while 69 criminal elements and their family members voluntarily surrendered.
“In a significant boost to security, 318 kidnap victims were rescued, and oil theft worth over N217.6 million was foiled, with 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO recovered. Sixteen illegal refining sites were deactivated during the operations.
“North East – Operation HADIN KAI saw troops eliminate several terrorists, arrest six collaborators, and rescue five kidnap victims in Borno and Adamawa states. Air support missions reinforced ground operations, destroying terrorist camps.
“North West – Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the neutralisation of multiple terrorists, 13 arrests, and nine rescued victims across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi states.
“Air interdictions destroyed enemy logistics and hideouts,” he said.
Onoja said the troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE apprehended 32 suspects, neutralised multiple extremists, rescued 20 kidnap victims, recovered arms and vehicles in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi states, and the FCT.
In the South-South, he said the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE stopped oil theft worth N12.12 million, destroyed four illegal refining sites, and apprehended 25 oil thieves.
In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDOKA neutralised several terrorists, made four arrests, rescued four kidnap victims and destroyed terrorist camps and logistics.
He commended troops for their professionalism and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to enhance operations.
Onoja also called for support for veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched on Tuesday.
*Flush out bandits now, Kukah tells Defence Minister
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Thursday delivered a blunt and urgent charge to Nigeria’s newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, urging him to “flush out terrorists” and restore peace across the country without delay.
Kukah said Nigerians are weary of unending violence and now expect a firm, uncompromising campaign that will bring back “laughter and joy” to communities shattered by insecurity.
The Catholic Bishop, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Musa reflects a deliberate effort to reposition Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the Defence Ministry is now in capable hands, and the moment demands nothing short of urgent, decisive action.
“We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible,” he said. “And I think this job is in excellent hands. These guys need flushing out. Normalcy needs to return to our country.”
*Tinubu hands down strict security mandate at swearing-in
Before administering the oath of office, President Tinubu had handed Musa a straightforward and uncompromising directive: secure Nigeria, restore public confidence, and make communities safe again.
Musa later confirmed that the President’s instructions were firm, direct and non-negotiable.
“I just met Mr President, and he reiterated that we must make sure Nigeria is secured,” Musa said. “Nigerians should be able to sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms, send their children to school without fear.”
Kukah reinforced this mandate, noting that the nation is prepared to support every lawful measure required to end banditry, insurgency and widespread criminality.
He said the Sultanate and the Church view Musa as someone who understands both the complexity and urgency of the security crisis, given his background and familiarity with affected regions.
“All we do is to pray for the best,” he said. “It is clear the President wants to reposition security, and I think the situation is in excellent hands.”
*Musa vows relentless war on terrorists, promises swift results
Speaking after his inauguration, Musa pledged to launch a coordinated, relentless offensive against terrorists and bandits, rebuild synergy across the armed forces, and strengthen cooperation with other security agencies.
He said Nigerians will not have to wait long before seeing measurable progress.
“My immediate priority is to ensure that Defence takes its rightful place in the country,” he said. “Nigerians have shown me love, and I assure them that I will work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured. Within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.”
With public expectations at their highest, Musa returns to the Defence Ministry with a vow to deliver the decisive security turnaround Nigerians have long demanded — a mission echoed by Kukah and reinforced by President Tinubu’s uncompromising charge.
