The Nigerian Army has announced a major nationwide offensive targeting militants, insurgents and economic saboteurs, marking a renewed push to restore security across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Army disclosed that its recent coordinated operations led to the elimination of seven terrorists and the arrest of 27 suspects. Arms, ammunition and stolen crude oil were also seized during the campaign.
This effort spans multiple fronts of operations: in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI, the North West and North Central under Operation ENDURING PEACE, and the South-South under Operation DELTA SAFE.
In Borno State, troops ambushed fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) along the Gwoza–Limankara axis, killing three insurgents and recovering a rifle and ammunition. In Monguno’s Anguwan Church area, twelve suspects tied to terror logistics were captured and are now being interrogated.
Meanwhile in Kaduna State, under Operation ENDURING PEACE, a terrorist hideout in Kauru LGA was raided: two insurgents responsible for raids on rural communities were killed and others escaped wounded.
The offensive also struck the South-South region, where troops cracked down on illegal mining and oil bunkering. In Akwa Ibom, three illegal miners engaged in black sand operations were arrested. In Abia, a clandestine refinery holding over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was dismantled. In Imo, six drums of stolen crude and a canoe used for transport were intercepted.
Army leadership emphasised that the heightened operations are in line with the directive of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who visited the North East theatre and urged troops to keep up the pressure without let-up.
Security analysts say this renewed focus doesn’t just target militants but also their economic lifelines — illegal mining, crude theft and other illicit trades. The aim is to cut off finance and logistics that sustain insurgency and sabotage.
Still, concerns linger about how the arrests will be processed and whether this campaign will translate into long-term stability for the affected regions.
For now, the message from the Nigerian Army is unequivocal — the gloves are off and a new phase in the fight against insecurity and economic crime has begun.
