Following United States President Donald Trump’s recent threat to take military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution and terrorism concerns, Nigerian security agencies have ramped up counterterrorism operations nationwide.

Trump’s warning came after he designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), sparking controversy and diplomatic tension between both nations. His comments, viewed by many Nigerians as provocative and neo-imperialist, have generated widespread debate domestically and internationally.

In response, Nigeria’s military and security architecture have intensified their campaigns against terrorism and banditry, carrying out a series of coordinated operations across several states aimed at dismantling insurgent and criminal strongholds.

Checks on the official Facebook page of the Nigerian Army Headquarters revealed that troops conducted at least six successive operations targeting terrorists and kidnappers across the country.

Troops Foil Kidnap Plot, Rescue 10 Victims in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued ten victims along the Zaki-Biam–Wukari road in Benue State.
According to military sources, the operation followed credible intelligence on November 3, 2025, indicating that armed abductors disguised as police officers had set up a fake checkpoint to ambush travelers.
Among those rescued was Warrant Officer John Richard of the 6 Brigade Band in Jalingo. Two victims remain missing as search efforts continue.

Soldiers Repel Boko Haram Drone Attack in Borno, Kill Six Terrorists

In Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) repelled a coordinated Boko Haram/ISWAP assault on the Forward Operating Base in Kangar, Mallam Fatori.
The insurgents launched the attack using armed drones and mortar shells but were subdued following reinforcement from Sector 3 troops and air support from Nigerien fighter jets.
Six terrorists were neutralized, and several weapons, drone bombs, ammunition, and grenades were recovered.

Soldiers Kill 19 Bandits, Repel Attack on Kano Community

Troops also foiled a bandit invasion in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing 19 assailants in a fierce firefight.
Acting on intelligence, the soldiers confronted the attackers at Ungwan Tudu and surrounding villages on November 1, 2025.
Two soldiers and one vigilante lost their lives in the encounter, while several motorcycles and mobile phones were seized.

Army Rescues Two Kidnap Victims, Recovers ₦3.8m Ransom in Kogi

In Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million in ransom money during a clearance operation.
The rescue followed intelligence reports about ongoing abductions along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis on November 2, 2025.
The kidnappers were engaged in a gunfight en route to Achigili Forest, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee with gunshot wounds.

Troops Crush Multiple Terror Attacks Across Borno and Adamawa

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) neutralized dozens of terrorists during separate operations in Kukawa, Gwoza, and Limankara between October 25 and 31, 2025.
Soldiers also intercepted smuggled fuel and weapons in Adamawa State and arrested five suspected collaborators in Madagali during a cordon-and-search mission.

Army Neutralizes Terrorists, Rescues 17 Victims in Nationwide Operations

On November 2, 2025, Nigerian troops neutralized multiple terrorists, rescued 17 abducted victims, and arrested 20 suspects in coordinated nationwide raids.
Operations were carried out across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South regions, targeting terrorist enclaves, kidnappers, and illegal oil refiners.
In Zamfara, 11 abducted persons were rescued, while troops in Benue and Plateau arrested 15 suspects and rescued four victims. In Bayelsa and Imo, soldiers dismantled illegal oil refining sites and recovered stolen crude.

Troops Bust Cultists’ Hideout in Makurdi, Arrest Seven Suspects

In Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in the North Bank area of Makurdi, arresting seven suspects and recovering arms, ammunition, and charms.
The raid, conducted on October 30, 2025, led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, ammunition shells, a laptop, and several bags of charms.
The suspects are undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to relevant authorities.

Experts Urge Focus on Root Causes of Violence

Deputy Spokesperson of the League of African Ambassadors, John Usanga, urged stakeholders to look beyond religious and ethnic explanations for Nigeria’s insecurity, noting that the violence also stems from land seizures and forced displacement.

Speaking on Arise Television, Usanga described the situation as a guerrilla-style conflict that cannot be fought with conventional military strategies.

He said:

“We must recognize that many of these attacks are aimed at taking territories and dislodging communities. The fight against terrorism and banditry is not a regular war — perpetrators strike swiftly and blend into the population.”

Usanga added that tackling the crisis requires caution to avoid civilian casualties and urged focus on addressing the underlying causes fueling the unrest rather than divisive narratives.