Troops Arrest 74 Suspected Terrorists, Oil Thieves, Others In November — DHQ

Troops on internal operations have arrested 74 suspected terrorists, their collaborators, oil thieves and other criminal elements in November 2025.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed this via a statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Thursday.

Onoja also disclosed that 69 terrorists and their families also surrendered to troops in the North-East geopolitical zone last month.

The director added that the troops also arrested 25 suspected oil thieves and other criminals, destroyed 16 illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products worth N217,664,618.00 during the period.

Onoja further explained that troops foiled oil theft of products worth N217,664,618.00, representing 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated.

“Accordingly, for the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain the momentum.

The statement solicited continued sharing of credible information by the public with troops to enhance military operations.

“We continue to solicits the support of all Nigerians in this regard. We also call for support for the veterans by supporting the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem that was launched by Mr President on the 2 December, 2025 at the Presidential Villa,” he said.

He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was dedicated to continued operation within the ambit of the law”.

Onoja assured Nigerians that the military was enhancing operational tempo in the light of the renewed security threats until peace is returned to all troubled areas across the country.

The military also assured that necessary measures were being put in place to ensure that remaining students in the bandits’ den are rescued and returned to their families.
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“The AFN also wishes to inform all Nigerians that we are emplacing all necessary measures, systems and activities humanly possible to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned to their families unhurt,” Onoja said.