In an update published by Vanguard, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has vowed to take decisive action against the remnants of terrorist groups and insurgents operating within the country. Speaking at the West African Social Activities (WASA) event in Abuja, the COAS stated that the Nigerian Army is entering a new phase of high-intensity operations designed to permanently secure troubled regions.
The Army Chief emphasized that troop welfare remains a top priority, as motivated soldiers are essential for the success of “Operation Desert Sanity V” and other ongoing missions. He noted that the military has seen significant gains in the North-East and North-West, with scores of terrorists recently neutralized and large caches of weapons recovered.
Despite these successes, the COAS urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. He reiterated that the military’s goal is to create a peaceful environment conducive to economic development and social stability.
The Punch confirmed these reports, adding that recent operations in the North-East led to the recovery of sophisticated anti-aircraft guns. Daily Post reported on the killing of several Boko Haram commanders, quoting a military spokesperson: “We are squeezing the operational space of the terrorists until they have nowhere left to hide.” Leadership also highlighted the COAS’s remarks, with a security analyst stating, “The focus on troop welfare is a critical shift that will likely improve battlefield performance in the coming months.”
Echotitbits take: The rhetoric from the COAS is strong, but the persistence of abductions in the Middle Belt remains a thorn in the side of the military. Watch for a possible shift toward more aerial-led operations Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-army-chief-vows-crush-insurgents-amid-us-pressure-over-religious-2025-11-07/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Reuters
Tag: military operations
-
Army Chief Pledges Final Blow to Insurgency Amid Renewed Offensive
-
Troops arrest eight suspects tied to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing network
According to ThisDay, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested eight suspected terrorists linked to the suicide bombing at the Gamboru market mosque, describing the suspects as part of the network behind the attack.
The report says two of those held are described as key facilitators, with the arrests following weeks of intelligence work and surveillance that led to targeted operations.
Recovered items listed include cash, phones, IDs, ATM cards, and jewelry, with forensic examination expected to support ongoing investigations.
The military says the suspects remain in custody for interrogation and intelligence extraction, with eventual handover for further investigation.
BusinessDay also reported the Army “dismantled [a] suicide bombing network” tied to the Gamboru incident. Leadership echoed the same development, reporting troops “arrest 8 terrorists linked to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing.”
Echotitbits take: The key is prosecution quality. Track whether suspects are arraigned publicly and whether evidence handling and inter-agency coordination hold up in court.
Source: ThisDayLive – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/07/troops-arrest-eight-terrorists-linked-to-gamboru-market-mosque-suicide-bombing/ January 7, 2026
ThisDayLive January 7, 2026Photo Credit: ThisDayLive
-
Nigerian Military Issues Urgent Alert Over Unexploded Ordnance Following US-Backed Strikes
Reporting by BusinessDay indicates that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released a high-priority warning to residents in northern Nigeria concerning the dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO). This follows a series of successful US-supported airstrikes targeting Islamic State-linked insurgent camps in Sokoto State.
The military command noted that while the aerial bombardment successfully neutralized high-value targets, the risk of residual explosive materials remains high in the impacted zones. Local communities have been strictly advised to avoid picking up or tampering with any metallic objects or debris found near strike locations to prevent accidental detonations.
Validation of this safety crisis comes from The Punch, which reported that ‘security forces are now conducting sweep-and-clear operations’ to decontaminate affected rural farmlands. Additionally, The Cable quoted a military spokesperson who emphasized that ‘civilians must not pick up such materials’ and should instead report sightings to the nearest security outpost.
Echotitbits take: While the airstrikes provide a much-needed boost to national security, the humanitarian risk posed by UXOs could alienate local populations. The government needs to prioritize rapid decontamination of these areas to ensure that farmers can return to their fields without fear of stepping on explosives.
Source: Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-urges-civilians-avoid-debris-us-backed-strikes-islamists-2026-01-02/
Reuters January 3, 2026Photo Credit: Reuters
-
DHQ deploys GPS-guided munitions in reported Sokoto counter-terror strikes
2026-01-01 07:25:00
Reporting by Reuters indicates Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters deployed GPS-guided precision munitions in operations targeting militant enclaves in Sokoto State.The report suggests the strikes were aimed at degrading command structures and limiting mobility routes in forest corridors used by armed groups, amid pressure to show measurable security gains.
The implication is a shift toward more technology-driven targeting that could reduce risk to ground troops while expanding the air campaign footprint.
ThisDay also reported Nigeria’s military used “GPS-guided precision munitions” in the Sokoto operation.
A separate local follow-up likewise described strikes intended to disrupt bandit enclaves and logistics routes.
Echotitbits take:
Tech can improve targeting, but success depends on intelligence quality and post-strike ‘hold’ operations. Watch for independent confirmation, civilian-harm reporting, and whether communities experience fewer raids afterward.
Source: Reuters — December 31, 2025 (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-used-gps-guided-precision-munitions-sokoto-strikes-via-mq-9s-sources-say-2025-12-31/)
Reuters 2025-12-31
Photo Credit: Reuters
-
Nigerian Air Force claims 2,351 terrorists killed in 2025 air campaign
2026-01-01 07:30:00
Figures cited by Punch show the Nigerian Air Force says it neutralised 2,351 terrorists in 2025 through sustained air interdiction operations across multiple theatres.The service said repeated sorties were aimed at severing supply chains, disrupting movement corridors, and weakening leadership structures across key conflict zones.
Beyond counter-terror missions, the NAF also highlighted operations targeting oil theft infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
The Whistler quoted the NAF describing the campaign as “Sustained precision strikes” that “disrupted supply chains.”
The Guardian Nigeria also reported targeted strikes led to the destruction of illegal refining reservoirs and related assets.
Echotitbits take:
Headline numbers need verification. Watch whether 2026 sees fewer mass abductions and attacks in high-risk corridors, and whether air gains are matched by ground holding operations and community intelligence.
Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/2351-terrorists-killed-in-2025-air-raids-naf/)
The Punch 2026-01-01
Photo Credit: The Punch
-
Borno operation: troops disrupt suspected ISWAP logistics with vehicle interception
Photo credit: Daily Post Nigeria
2025-12-20 12:30:00In a report carried by Punch, Nigerian troops in Borno intercepted vehicles allegedly transporting logistics meant for ISWAP, highlighting how insurgents still depend on supply lines and local procurement networks.
Targeting logistics can have outsized impact: cutting fuel, tyres, parts and food flows can degrade mobility, reduce operational tempo and force insurgent cells into riskier behaviour.
The incident was described as intelligence-led, with seizures that may help map facilitators, routes and financiers supporting terror activity.
Even where no high-profile commanders are caught, interdictions like this can provide leads for follow-up raids and arrests.
The Nigerian Army’s official updates described the action as part of efforts to cut terrorist resupply and degrade operational capacity.
TheCable also reported the interception and noted it formed part of intensified pressure on insurgent logistics networks.
Echotitbits take: Sustained interdictions matter more than one-off seizures. Watch for rapid exploitation of seized items (phones, receipts) and for any retaliation attempts on affected routes. Long-term success hinges on surveillance, informant protection and follow-through arrests.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria— December 20, 2025 https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/20/troops-intercept-vehicles-carrying-suspected-iswap-supplies-in-borno/
-
Kogi: Security Agencies Uncover Large Arms Cache as Governor Ododo Vows No Deals With Criminals
Photo Credit: Punch
2025-12-17
According to *The Punch*, Kogi State authorities announced the discovery of a large arms and ammunition cache after a coordinated, intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies.
The reported haul—ranging from rifles and magazines to large volumes of ammunition—adds to rising concerns about weapons circulation and criminal hideouts across Nigeria’s middle belt corridor.
Officials say the operation followed sustained surveillance, and the state is urging residents to share actionable intelligence as security forces widen the dragnet.
Other reporting on the same development includes:
– Daily Trust: “Analysts warn that arms trafficking is deepening insecurity across key transit states.”
– Channels TV: “Security officials say intelligence coordination is improving, but arrests and prosecutions must follow.”Analysis/Echotitbits take: Recoveries matter, but arrests matter more. Watch for follow-up raids, named suspects, and whether recovered weapons are traced to supply networks—otherwise the cycle restarts with new stockpiles.
Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/massive-arms-cache-uncovered-in-kogi/)