Over 13,000 Terrorists Neutralized, 17,000 Apprehended in Two-Year Period, Says FG Security Leadership

In a performance overview of the nation’s counter-terrorism operations, the Federal Government, through its security leadership, today, Friday, November 21, 2025, confirmed that over 13,000 terrorists and criminal elements have been neutralized across various theatres of operation within the last two years.

The statistic, which was previously disclosed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represents the outcome of kinetic operations spanning the North-East insurgency zone and the banditry-ravaged North-West and North-Central regions.

In addition to the high number of enemy casualties, the report also detailed that security forces have successfully apprehended, or received the surrender of, over 17,000 individuals associated with various terror and criminal groups during the same period.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria have demonstrated unwavering resolve in dismantling multiple terrorists and criminal strongholds,” a security source familiar with the data stated. “These figures are a testament to the military’s operational dominance and the massive commitment of resources to securing our territory.”

Figures Under Scrutiny Amid New Crisis

The reiteration of these massive casualty figures is timely, coming against the backdrop of renewed national security concerns, including the recent mass abductions of school children in Kebbi and Niger States, which prompted the Federal Government to close 41 Federal Unity Colleges.

The military leadership emphasized that the operations are not solely focused on kinetic action. Initiatives like Operation Safe Corridor are continuing their work on the rehabilitation and reintegration of thousands of repentant fighters, a strategy aimed at reducing the cycle of violence and facilitating communal healing.

Despite the successful neutralization of thousands of terrorists, the focus remains on addressing the evolving nature of the threats, which increasingly include kidnappings for ransom and attacks on soft targets, demanding continuous adjustments to the nation’s counter-terrorism strategy.