Army Opens Two New Bases in Northeast, Steps Up Offensive Against Terrorists

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army has established two new forward operating bases in the Duji and Kekeno communities as part of renewed efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast.

The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, disclosed this at a Christmas luncheon organised in honour of wounded troops at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State. Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, the Commander of the Infantry Corps, represented him at the event.

According to the Army Chief, the newly established bases are designed to improve operational reach and response time, particularly around the Lake Chad axis and the Sambisa Forest, long considered strongholds of insurgent groups.

Gen. Shuaibu referred to the wounded soldiers as “special troops” who are still influencing ongoing military operations with their sacrifices.

He said the interaction with them was meant to boost morale and reinforce the resolve of the Armed Forces to put an end to the 16-year Boko Haram insurgency, which has devastated communities across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

“We are here with you to renew our commitment and inject greater momentum into the fight against terrorism,” he said, noting that the military remains determined to restore lasting peace to the region.

Also speaking at the event, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, highlighted significant gains recorded by troops in the field this year.

He revealed that between May and December 2025, soldiers recovered 254 assorted weapons from terrorists’ hideouts and rescued 366 civilians from various enclaves.

He further disclosed that troops intercepted about 300 units of Starlink communication devices, cutting off a critical channel used by insurgents to coordinate attacks.

Maj.-Gen. Abubakar added that sustained military pressure has continued to weaken terrorist groups, leading to the surrender of no fewer than 881 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, along with their families, within the year.

“These achievements on the front lines clearly show the progress being made in our ongoing operations across the three states in the theatre,” he said, reaffirming the military’s commitment to dismantling remaining terrorist networks in the region.

Troops Foil Night Attack, Kill 17 Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, have killed 17 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a coordinated security operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation followed credible intelligence that insurgents were advancing towards Sojiri and Kayamla communities, about 25 kilometres southeast of Maiduguri, with plans to launch coordinated attacks in the early hours of Sunday.

A dependable military source in Maiduguri said troops acted swiftly on the intelligence and moved into strategic positions alongside CJTF members, hunters and vigilantes to prevent the planned assault.

According to the source, the terrorists attempted to transport their logistics quietly using bicycles in order to avoid attracting attention.

“At about 2:24 a.m. on December 21, 2025, the terrorists moved food items, medical supplies and weapons on bicycles to eliminate engine noise,” the source revealed.

However, having already positioned themselves in concealed formations, the troops engaged the insurgents decisively as they approached the targeted communities.

During the exchange of fire, 17 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds and fled towards the Sambisa Forest.

The operation also led to the recovery of bicycles, assorted weapons and ammunition, food items, drugs, medical supplies, detergents, clothing materials, bicycle tyres and torchlights believed to belong to the fleeing insurgents.

The source further disclosed that following the successful operation, the ambush team safely withdrew to its base at about 4:20 a.m., while exploitation and follow-up operations continued to dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of movement.

The military source said the outcome of the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint security efforts in weakening terrorist networks and disrupting their logistics in Borno State.

Burkina Faso Frees Detained Nigerian Air Force Crews After Diplomatic Intervention

Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members, bringing relief to Nigeria after nine days of intense diplomatic engagement between both countries.

The breakthrough followed a high-level visit to Ouagadougou by a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar. The team, which held talks with Burkinabè authorities, including President Ibrahim Traoré, comprised senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, as well as the Nigerian Air Force headquarters. Their mandate was clear: resolve the matter through dialogue and preserve cordial relations.

Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador Tuggar described the engagement as frank and constructive, noting that Nigeria and Burkina Faso share deep historical ties and face similar security challenges in the region.

According to him, discussions covered cooperation in key sectors and addressed the circumstances surrounding the Nigerian military aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso. Tuggar acknowledged that there were lapses in the aircraft’s entry authorisation process and expressed Nigeria’s regret over the incident, while reaffirming Abuja’s respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation rules.

“We exchanged views on cooperation in several sectors. We also discussed the Nigerian aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso,” the minister said.

He also addressed the allegations of mistreatment made by a Nigerian political party official against the detained personnel. Tuggar firmly distanced the Federal Government from the remarks, describing them as unfounded and regrettable.

“We clearly dissociate ourselves from those comments and express our sincere regrets to the government of Burkina Faso,” he stated.

The foreign affairs minister praised President Traoré and his administration for what he described as their spirit of brotherhood and the humane treatment extended to the Nigerian pilots and crew during their stay in Burkina Faso.

Beyond the immediate issue, Tuggar said the talks also touched on wider regional collaboration to confront terrorism and violent extremism, highlighting the need for continued cooperation among neighbouring states to address shared security threats.

The release of the NAF personnel has been widely welcomed in Nigeria, considered a positive outcome of diplomacy and a reaffirmation of the strong ties between the two West African nations.