The Nigerian Army stands out as a principal bulwark of national security, chalking significant operational gains across multiple theatres of conflict and insecurity.
With insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence persisting in various parts of the country, the Army’s role as foot soldiers of stability has been pivotal in safeguarding lives and defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
Under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Nigerian Army deepened its operational focus in 2025, emphasising a combination of tactical innovation, enhanced training, joint operations and strengthened civil-military cooperation.
In his address to troops during the Christmas season in Abuja, Shuaibu acknowledged that the year had been “eventful, demanding and operationally rewarding”, attributing the Army’s successes to the gallantry, dedication and resilience of its personnel.
Operational Focus In A Complex Security Environment
Nigeria’s security environment in 2025 remained fluid and multifaceted. In the North-East, remnants of Boko Haram and ISIS-linked cells continued sporadic attacks, while in the North-West and North-Central, bandits and criminal networks carried out kidnappings and raids.
Meanwhile, separatist agitation and communal clashes in parts of the South compounded the Army’s operational responsibilities.
In response, the Nigerian Army sustained a robust operational tempo, as joint task forces conducted coordinated counter-terrorism and counter-banditry campaigns that yielded tactical victories in multiple regions, often in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies.
According to the Army Chief, troops intensified operations that led to the elimination of numerous insurgents and bandits, the arrest of key suspects, and the rescue of kidnapped civilians. He said the outcomes reflected the Nigerian Army’s drive to protect lives and secure affected communities.
Some of the key operational successes recorded by the Nigerian Army, as highlighted by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, included mass arrests and surrenders of terrorists and their collaborators during the year under review.
The military reported 4,375 arrests of terrorists and suspects, alongside 1,616 surrenders of terrorists and their family members, as well as the rescue of 2,336 kidnapped civilians across Nigeria in 2025, indicating sustained pressure on insurgent networks and a major humanitarian and security achievement.
In the North-West alone, the 8 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims, foiled planned kidnap plots and disrupted terror cells in strategic areas, including Abuja and other regions, preventing large-scale operations by criminal networks.
In the North-East theatre, troops cleared multiple Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts, capturing informants and disrupting logistics and supply chains critical to extremist operations.
The Army also reported successful offensive operations deep into areas such as the Sambisa Forest, dismantling terrorist camps, destroying improvised explosive devices and weapons stockpiles, and reducing insurgent safe havens.
Troops recovered 189 AK-47 rifles, seized 4,338 rounds of ammunition, confiscated 305 motorcycles used for raids, recovered 4,123 stolen livestock and neutralised several high-profile bandit leaders.
Army operations in the Niger Delta under Operation Delta Safe destroyed 503 illegal oil refining sites and led to the arrest of hundreds of oil thieves, directly undermining the finances that fuel insecurity.
Seizures of weapons, detonators, explosives and surveillance drones cut off critical resources and prevented planned terror attacks.
A defining feature of the Army’s 2025 campaign was enhanced joint operations, with coordinated action alongside the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and other security agencies.
Top military leadership emphasised that unity of effort, intelligence sharing and interoperability remain critical to defeating sophisticated adversaries.
This approach translated into effective field operations, as Nigerian Army units worked closely with air and marine assets to tighten pressure on criminal networks and degrade their operational capabilities.
Notably, this synergy enabled troops to exploit actionable intelligence from air surveillance and combine it with precision ground manoeuvres, yielding measurable results in disrupted criminal activity.
Shuaibu repeatedly highlighted the importance of discipline, steadfastness and courage in the field.
In his Christmas message to troops, he noted that their sacrifices remain the backbone of the nation’s peace and stability, reinforcing the ethos that lives saved and communities protected are the true measure of military success.
Protecting Civilians And Upholding Human Rights
Despite the intensity of operations, the Nigerian Army stressed adherence to human rights and the protection of civilians.
Military leadership reiterated that Army operations are guided by constitutional mandates and international norms, ensuring respect for non-combatants.
Mid-year operations contributed to improved security along major transport corridors, boosting civilian confidence in state protection, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions.
Analysts noted that shielding vulnerable communities from criminal influence remains a strategic achievement with lasting impact.
Community Engagement And Civil Support
Beyond kinetic operations, the Nigerian Army strengthened civil-military engagement in 2025.
Through outreach programmes, medical assistance missions and infrastructure support in conflict-affected areas, troops worked to build trust with local communities.
Military leaders maintained that positive civilian relations enhance intelligence gathering and weaken the social support networks relied upon by criminal groups.
Defence analysts said this approach improved local cooperation across key operational zones.
Government Support And Strategic Backing
Government backing played a crucial role in sustaining the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity.
Defence authorities acknowledged that the evolving security landscape requires constant adaptation.
At the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to mobilise all military assets to eliminate security threats and protect Nigerians.
Tinubu highlighted enhanced procurement of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, armoured fleets and refurbished armoured fighting vehicles to boost operational readiness.
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In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, stressed that despite persistent challenges, the operational capacity of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements had been significantly degraded across multiple theatres.
He attributed these gains to comprehensive planning, effective execution and strong inter-agency coordination.
Modernisation, Training And Innovation
Operational progress in 2025 was also driven by renewed emphasis on modernisation, training and professional development.
The Nigerian Army intensified programmes to enhance tactical proficiency, leadership capacity and technical competence among personnel.
These included training exercises, simulations and specialist courses tailored to contemporary conflict environments.
The Army’s investment in specialised platforms, including the expansion of its Aviation Unit, further enhanced operational flexibility, enabling rapid troop deployment and improved logistics in challenging terrain.
Challenges And The Road Ahead
Despite the gains recorded in 2025, security challenges remain complex and dynamic.
Analysts cautioned that evolving insurgent and criminal tactics demand constant innovation.
They noted that while tactical victories are significant, long-term stability requires broader socio-economic development, improved governance and sustained community engagement.
Nevertheless, government and defence officials affirmed that the Nigerian Army will continue to adapt its strategies and strengthen partnerships with both domestic and international agencies to secure lasting peace.
In 2025, the Nigerian Army demonstrated resilience and resolve, as intensified operations, strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to national security reinforced its role as the nation’s foot soldiers of stability.
While challenges persist, the achievements of 2025 signal that with sustained effort, unity of purpose and robust support, Nigeria’s Army remains capable and determined in its mission to defend the nation and safeguard its people.
NAN
