A sweeping military offensive has left at least 47 terrorists dead as Nigerian Army forces intensified pressure on armed groups, striking at their leadership, logistics chains, and escape routes in a series of coordinated operations that reshaped the security landscape.
The raids, executed through a mix of ground manoeuvres and aerial engagements, also led to multiple arrests, the rescue of kidnapped civilians, and the seizure of weapons and equipment believed to have sustained criminal networks for months, military sources disclosed.
Further details showed that the operations were carried out over a 72-hour window across northern theatres and other strategic locations nationwide, following intelligence assessments that pinpointed terrorist enclaves, transit corridors, and planned attacks.
In several northern states, troops engaged gunmen during ambushes and patrols, forcing armed elements into direct confrontation and neutralising them after exchanges of fire.
Army officials confirmed that soldiers also disrupted attempted kidnappings and robberies, freeing captives and recovering rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, and communication devices.
However, the most lethal blows were delivered from the air, as fighter jets targeted confirmed terrorist camps and convergence points in the North-East.
Military authorities said dozens of fighters were killed in precision strikes, with explosions indicating the destruction of weapons depots and explosives prepared for future attacks.
Operations extended beyond the northern corridor, with troops uncovering oil theft and sabotage operations in the South-South and apprehending suspects linked to violent crimes in the South-East.
In the Federal Capital Territory, security forces also arrested suspects during an operation targeting illegal mining activities.
Reacting to the outcome, a military spokesperson said the sustained pressure was deliberate.
“Our objective is to deny these groups any breathing space, dismantle their support structures, and reassure citizens that the Armed Forces remain firmly in control,” the officer said.
Moreover, over 30 abducted persons, including women and children, were rescued during the raids and reunited with their families after receiving medical care.
The Army reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led operations and urged the public to continue providing security agencies with timely information, stressing that such cooperation remains crucial to achieving long-term stability.