Nigerian troops have made significant strides in the fight against terrorism and criminal activities, neutralizing 92 terrorists between February 27 and March 6, 2025. This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.
General Kangye revealed that the military also arrested 18 individuals involved in oil theft and other criminal activities, including gunrunners and collaborators with violent extremist groups. Additionally, troops successfully rescued 75 kidnapped hostages during the period.
The air component of the military played a crucial role in the operations, conducting close air support missions, armed reconnaissance patrols, and air interdiction missions to disrupt terrorist activities and protect civilians.
In a related development, the Defence Headquarters has established Operation Safe Corridor in the North-Western zone of Nigeria, with its operational headquarters located in Tsafe, Zamfara State. This initiative aims to address insecurity by providing a structured process for rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant terrorists who voluntarily surrender their arms.
During the official handover of office facilities for the operation, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security efforts to combat criminal activities in the region.
Operation Safe Corridor is a specialized military programme designed to offer a pathway for former insurgents and bandits to reintegrate into society. The initiative is structured around five key components: Disarmament, Demobilization, De-radicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration.
The programme has previously been implemented in the North-East zone, targeting Boko Haram defectors, and is now being expanded to the North-West to address the ongoing security crisis in states like Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna.
Security stakeholders are optimistic that the establishment of Operation Safe Corridor in the North-West will complement ongoing military operations, reduce violence, and encourage more ex-fighters to abandon criminality.
DAILY MENTOR reports that these efforts underscore the Nigerian military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the country, while also providing opportunities for repentant individuals to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their communities.