Nigeria’s new Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, has begun his tenure with a strong display of the military’s renewed momentum, unveiling sweeping operational successes recorded across the country throughout November.
Speaking at his maiden press briefing in Abuja on Thursday—barely two weeks after assuming office—Onoja outlined what he described as “clear evidence of intensified joint-force pressure” against terrorism, banditry, oil theft, separatist violence and other security threats.
According to him, troops neutralised scores of terrorists and armed criminals, rescued 318 abducted victims, and received the surrender of over 69 insurgents and their family members. The month also saw dozens of logistics collaborators, informants, and key facilitators arrested in coordinated ground and air operations.
Onoja emphasised that the results reflect not only operational resilience but also improved intelligence synergy between the Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies. Several enclaves once controlled by insurgents were dismantled, enabling safer movements for residents and the gradual return of displaced persons.
From the North East to the coastal regions, the director highlighted simultaneous activities across all theatres:
Operation HADIN KAI continued to break Boko Haram and ISWAP networks with targeted airstrikes and ground offensives in Borno and Adamawa.
In the North West, air interdictions over Kankara and Faskari destroyed major bandit hideouts, while ground troops freed hostages and arrested additional suspects.
Troops under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North Central zone responded rapidly to attacks across Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue and the FCT, rescuing civilians and intercepting weapons.
Along the creeks, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the clampdown on illegal refining and crude oil theft, dismantling criminal facilities and recovering stolen petroleum products.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA neutralised violent separatist groups, destroyed camps, arrested suspects, and rescued abductees, with air support hitting strategic hideouts.
Major General Onoja praised the troops’ courage and professionalism, expressing confidence that the Armed Forces are “reclaiming the initiative across multiple fronts.”
He urged Nigerians to strengthen cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, while reiterating the military’s commitment to securing the release of students abducted in recent incidents nationwide.
“We are fully aware of our responsibilities to this nation,” he said. “Under the renewed drive of the Armed Forces, no part of Nigeria will be left unprotected.”
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