The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has described as effective the operations of the Nigerian Army nationwide.
The army chief said this when he spoke with media executives in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, last weekend on his tenure.
Shaibu said the effectiveness of the operations could be seen in the gains recorded nationwide.
He said: “Operations across the various theatres have been highly effective, with measurable gains recorded nationwide.
“These successes are anchored on clear strategic direction from the Commander-in-Chief and a comprehensive approach that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation, supported by enhanced civil-military cooperation.”
Going into specifics, the COAS revealed that in the North East, operations under Operation HADIN KAI have continued to yield significant results.
He said through sustained offensive actions, improved force projection, and the deployment of advanced combat enablers such as Armoured Mobile Strike Groups, Special Forces, and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles, troops have effectively degraded insurgent capabilities.
He said in his nine months in office, 1,993 terrorists were neutralised, 2,645 suspects arrested, and 1,778 civilians rescued.
Additionally, he said large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered, including 676 AK-47 rifles and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition.
He added: “These efforts have contributed to the stabilisation of the region and facilitated the gradual return of displaced persons to communities such as Mallam Fatori, Kukawa, and Ngoshe.”
In the North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, General Shaibu said sustained intelligence-led operations have significantly curtailed banditry and terrorism.
He said troops neutralised 1,717 bandits, arrested 2,660 suspects, and rescued 4,052 civilians.
He said the recovery of over 527 AK-47 rifles and more than 156,000 rounds of ammunition further degraded the operational capacity of criminal elements and restricted their freedom of action.
Speaking on the North Central, the COAS said a coordinated and multi-dimensional approach has improved security across the zone.
He said operations such as ENDURING PEACE, WHIRL STROKE, and SAHEL SANITY supported by new deployments and enhanced surveillance capabilities have strengthened operational effectiveness.
He said: “Notably, improved route security along critical corridors such as the Abuja-Kaduna axis has restored public confidence.
“Within this period, 576 criminals were neutralised, 8,837 suspects arrested, and 2,225 civilians rescued, alongside significant arms recoveries.”
For the South East, Shaibu said operations under Operation UDO KA have recorded notable progress in dismantling criminal networks and restoring stability.
Targeted offensives, he said, have cleared key enclaves such as Orsu Forest and the Okigwe axis, adding: “A total of 219 criminals were neutralised, 1,494 arrested, and large caches of arms and improvised explosive devices recovered and safely detonated.
“These efforts have improved security on major routes and enabled the return of normal socio-economic activities.”
On the South West, the COAS said sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations have effectively addressed kidnapping, armed robbery, and pipeline vandalism.
He said within the period, 13 criminals were neutralised, 1,720 suspects arrested, and 131 civilians rescued, alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition.
He said enhanced inter-agency collaboration has further strengthened security in the region.
Similarly, in the South South, coordinated operations with sister agencies have significantly degraded the capacity of criminal elements involved in militancy and oil theft, he said, adding that troops neutralised 134 criminals, arrested 3,896 suspects, and rescued 341 civilians.
He said substantial recoveries of arms and ammunition have also been recorded, reinforcing the protection of critical national assets.
Shaibu said: “Across all theatres, the integration of intelligence-led operations, improved mobility, enhanced surveillance, and joint collaboration has ensured sustained operational success.
“These achievements have not only degraded criminal and terrorist networks but also restored public confidence, facilitated economic activities, and strengthened national security.
“Overall, the Nigerian Army remains resolute in consolidating these gains and sustaining pressure on all threats to ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.”
