Over 660 Terrorists Neutralised, 1,080 Suspects Arrested as Armed Forces Intensify Nationwide Operations
Anietie Udobit, Abuja
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Nigeria’s Armed Forces have recorded one of their most significant operational successes in recent months, announcing the elimination of more than 660 terrorists and the arrest of over 1,080 suspected criminals and terror collaborators during nationwide military operations conducted in the second quarter of the year.
The figures, released by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) during its quarterly operational briefing in Abuja, underscore the intensity of ongoing military campaigns across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and other volatile regions where terrorism, banditry and kidnapping continue to threaten national stability.
According to military authorities, the operations were carried out under several ongoing campaigns, including Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Whirl Stroke, and other joint security missions involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, intelligence agencies and local security outfits.
The DHQ stated that troops recovered hundreds of sophisticated weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), motorcycles, communication gadgets and ammunition believed to belong to terrorist organisations including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Military spokespersons also disclosed that hundreds of kidnapped victims were rescued during coordinated clearance operations in forests and rural communities.
Borno Base Attacks Raise Fresh Questions
Despite these operational successes, the military continues to confront evolving security threats.
Recent coordinated attacks on military formations in parts of Borno State reportedly resulted in casualties among security personnel and temporary destruction of equipment.
Security analysts note that while terrorist groups have lost substantial territorial control over the past decade, they have increasingly shifted toward asymmetric warfare, using surprise attacks, drones, roadside explosives and rapid mobility to target isolated military positions.
Experts from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and security researchers have repeatedly argued that defeating insurgency requires not only military force but also intelligence-led operations, border security cooperation and socio-economic development within conflict-prone communities.
The Defence Headquarters insists troops remain on the offensive and that reinforcement operations are ongoing.
Sowore Trial Sparks Rights Debate
Meanwhile, the ongoing prosecution of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore continues to generate national and international attention.
Several civil society organisations, including human rights advocates and legal groups, have criticised aspects of his trial, particularly the bail conditions imposed by the court.
Supporters argue that the conditions could restrict access to justice and freedom of expression, while government prosecutors maintain that all proceedings are being conducted within the provisions of Nigerian law.
The case has once again reopened conversations surrounding civic freedoms, cybercrime legislation, and the balance between national security and constitutional rights.