In a series of coordinated military operations across Nigeria’s northern states, security forces have repelled large-scale terrorist attacks, rescued dozens of abducted civilians, and dealt significant blows to insurgent networks, offering a rare moment of hope in regions long beset by violence.
Just before dawn on November 29, 2025, more than 300 terrorists launched a brazen, multi-directional assault on the town of Chibok in Borno State—a place still haunted by the memory of the infamous 2014 schoolgirl kidnappings. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the attackers struck at about 2:50 a.m., hoping to overwhelm the community and its defenders under the cover of darkness. But the Nigerian Army’s 28 Task Force Brigade, supported by ambush teams and observation posts perched on surrounding mountains, was ready. Troops picked up the insurgents’ movements early and responded instantly, engaging in a fierce firefight that raged for over two hours.
“The soldiers held their ground for over two hours in a fierce firefight that forced the terrorists to abandon their push and begin a chaotic withdrawal towards the Azir axis at about 5:00 a.m.,” a military source told NAN. As the militants retreated, the 25 Brigade sprang into action, setting up ambushes near the Azir Bridge, aided by real-time surveillance from a Nigerian Army UAV. Despite the terrorists scattering in several directions, troops disrupted their escape, ensuring that no soldier or equipment was lost—a result officials described as a testament to the combat readiness and resilience of the troops. Exploitation operations continued in the aftermath, as the military sought to prevent any regrouping or renewed threat.
But ground forces weren’t acting alone. In a statement released by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the air force detailed how it had intensified precision counterterrorism operations across both the North-West and North-East. Under the directives of the Chief of the Air Staff, NAF aircraft delivered devastating, intelligence-driven air interdictions that dismantled terror cells and neutralized scores of insurgents. These operations were part of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) and OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK), targeting strategic hideouts in Katsina and Borno States.
On November 27, 2025, NAF executed two coordinated air strikes in Katsina State. The first targeted the fortified base of a notorious terrorist kingpin linked to kidnappings and violent attacks across Kankara, Faskari, and Malumfashi Local Government Areas. Guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), the aircraft destroyed the camp with precision munitions, then struck again to eliminate any surviving fighters. A second strike hit another major enclave in Danfako, Faskari LGA, destroying logistics hubs and operational infrastructure, further degrading terrorist networks in the region.
Air power also played a decisive role in the Chibok defense. According to PRNigeria, NAF aircraft executed four major strikes against regrouping insurgents along their escape route from Chibok, inflicting significant losses and shattering their ability to reorganize. This integrated air-ground response not only protected the Chibok community but also prevented a resurgence of the offensive. The NAF reaffirmed its "unwavering commitment to precise, surgical engagements aimed at neutralizing threats and restoring security in collaboration with ground forces and other security agencies."
While the military was busy repelling attacks and striking terror cells, it was also engaged in life-saving rescue missions. In the Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, 12 teenage girls, aged 15 to 20, were rescued from Boko Haram/ISWAP captivity by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. As reported by PUNCH Online, the girls had been abducted on November 23, 2025, while harvesting crops on their family farmlands—a stark reminder of the persistent dangers faced by rural communities.
The Nigerian Army announced on its official Facebook page that the victims were freed on November 29 following a swift, intelligence-led operation in the southern Borno axis. "The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State," the statement read. The rescued girls—Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15), and Hauwa Hamidu (17)—were evacuated to a secure military facility for comprehensive medical care, psychological support, and debriefing. Their recovery brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear since the abduction.
The military high command commended the troops for their swift response and acknowledged the crucial support of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely intelligence enabled the successful rescue. "Troops continue to pursue ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and safeguard civilians," the statement added. The Army urged communities to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are essential to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting security.
Elsewhere, in Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army rescued 21 passengers who had been abducted by bandits along the Kabba-Obajana road axis. Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the brigade’s spokesman, confirmed to journalists in Lokoja that the rescue took place on November 27, 2025. Tragically, two security personnel died during the operation. "Yes, it’s true. The incident happened on Thursday, and the troops are still combing the forest to apprehend the perpetrators," Abdullahi stated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to rescue any remaining victims and bring the bandits to justice, as reported by Ripples Nigeria.
The recent surge in coordinated military actions across Nigeria’s troubled northern regions reflects a broader shift toward more integrated, intelligence-led security strategies. The use of real-time ISR, combined with rapid response teams on the ground and precise air strikes, has allowed security forces to disrupt terrorist operations, rescue hostages, and prevent further attacks with minimal casualties among their own ranks. These successes, though hard-won, offer a measure of reassurance to communities that have endured years of violence and uncertainty.
Yet, challenges remain. The loss of security personnel during rescue operations is a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those on the front lines. The persistence of abductions and attacks, especially targeting vulnerable civilians like teenage girls working on farms, underscores the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation. As the military continues its pursuit of insurgent remnants and bandit groups, the importance of timely intelligence and local support cannot be overstated.
For now, the message from Nigeria’s security forces is one of cautious optimism. The recent operations demonstrate that with discipline, coordination, and the right intelligence, even the most audacious attacks can be foiled—and lives can be saved. The hope is that these victories mark the beginning of a new chapter, where peace and security become the norm rather than the exception for communities like Chibok, Mussa, and Kabba-Obajana.