Amid alleged plans by terrorists to attack the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja and its environs anytime soon, the Military High Command on Thursday dismissed the threat and reassured residents that the nation’s capital city “is safe and secure”.

Fielding questions from Defence Correspondents in Abuja at the bi-weekly briefing on ongoing military operations across the various theatres of operation against insurgency activities in the country, the new Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General M. E. Onoja, declared that there was no cause for security concerns as the Federal Capital Territory is fortified with robust security architecture to tackle such challenges, if any.

The neighbouring states of the FCT, Kogi and Niger, have recently come under heavy attacks by terrorists, with threats that their operations would be extended to Abuja in a matter of days.

However, General Onoja assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, would not allow terrorists to come near the FCT as speculated, and urged residents to go about their normal daily activities without fear.

According to him, “Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and its environs are safe and secure. We have robust security architecture in place. The military is working closely in collaboration with other sister security agencies to secure the city from any form of attack. The military is aware of the threat; we are aware of the presence of the criminal elements around, but there is no cause for alarm. We are on top of the situation.”

Earlier, General Onoja acknowledged that the nation was confronted with a range of security challenges across different regions.

According to him, “These include terrorism and insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West and North Central zones, separatist agitations and criminality in the South East, piracy and illegal maritime activities in the South South, as well as oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta.

“While these threats are diverse in nature, our resolve to confront and defeat them remains unwavering.”

He noted that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have sustained intensive operations on all fronts.

According to him, “Troops are conducting clearance operations, targeted air and maritime interdictions, and intelligence-driven raids aimed at degrading criminal networks, protecting civilians, and restoring stability in affected areas.

“We remain committed to ensuring that every part of Nigeria enjoys peace, security, and freedom from fear. Despite the challenges, significant progress was recorded.

“Many criminal elements have been neutralised or apprehended, arms and ammunition recovered, hostages rescued, and several enclaves previously occupied by terrorists and bandits dismantled

“We acknowledge that these successes would not have been possible without the courage and professionalism of AFN personnel working in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, as well as the cooperation of all Nigerians who provide timely and actionable information.

“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. Troops foiled oil theft worth Two Hundred and Seventeen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighteen Naira (N217,664,618.00), representing 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO.

“Sixteen illegal refining sites were deactivated. Below are the highlights of operational activities for the week ending 28 November – 4 December 2025 from all theatres being coordinated by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Speaking on troop activities, General Onoja disclosed that the troops of the Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) sustained their operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action in the North East region.

According to him, “Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and hybrid forces, as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre. During these operations, troops neutralised several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers.”

He further explained that troops of the JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA sustained operational tempo throughout the period.

According to him, “During several firefights, a significant number of terrorists were neutralised and kidnapped victims were rescued. For instance, from 27 November – 3 December 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Anka, Maradun and Talata Mafara LGAs of Zamfara State.

“Troops conducted operations in Wurno and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State, as well as Batsari, Kankara and Kankiya LGAs of Katsina State.

“Other areas covered during the week include Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs of Kano State, as well as Birnin Kudu and Jahun LGAs of Jigawa State. Similarly, troops intensified their operations in Danko Wasagu, Dandi, Kebbe, Zuru and Bagudu LGAs of Kebbi State.”

The DDMO added that the gallant troops of the JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State responded to distress calls regarding terrorists’ activities in several sectors.

According to him, “From 27–29 November 2025, troops conducted offensive operations, intelligence surveillance and air interdiction, and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Pankshin, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the firefights, some extremists were neutralised, 16 other criminals were arrested, and 10 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from the extremists.”

On the activities of troops under JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE, General Onoja stated that troops recorded successes in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states within the period under review.

He added that troops of the JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states foiled oil theft worth over Twelve Million, One Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Twenty Naira (N12,120,020.00) during the period under review.

He further explained that troops of the JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA sustained an offensive posture throughout the week as they conducted operations in Udenu and Oji River LGAs of Enugu State, as well as Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State.

According to him, “Troops also conducted operations in Bende and Biase LGAs of Abia and Cross River States, respectively. During the operations, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested four of them, and rescued four kidnapped victims. They recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles and improvised explosive device-making materials from them.”

While commending the troops for their bravery, he reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is dedicated to continuing operations within the ambit of the law, and urged members of the public to continue supporting the military with useful information in the ongoing efforts to end insurgency in the country. (Nigerian Tribune)

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