By Pius Awunah
The military high command has assured Abuja residents of their security and safety,appealing to them to ignore any rumour of a planned attack by terrorists in the territory,
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major- General M. E. Onoja gave the assurance on behalf of the military on Thursday,December 4,2025, while fielding questions from Defence Correspondents in Abuja at the bi-weekly briefing on ongoing military operations across the various theatres of operation against insurgency activities in the country,
He urged residents not to panic over any planned terrorists’ attack as the Federal Capital Territory was fortified with robust security architecture to tackle such challenges, if any.
Dismissing reports that the neighbouring states of the FCT, Kogi and Niger, have recently come under heavy attacks by terrorists, with threats that their operations would be extended to Abuja in a matter of days,he assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, would not allow terrorists to come near the FCT as speculated.
He urged residents to go about their normal daily activities without fear.
“Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and its environs are safe and secure. We have robust security architecture in place. The military is working closely in collaboration with other sister security agencies to secure the city from any form of attack. The military is aware of the threat; we are aware of the presence of the criminal elements around, but there is no cause for alarm. We are on top of the situation”,he added.
Onoja acknowledged that the nation was confronted with a range of security challenges across different regions.
He listed these to include terrorism and insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West and North Central zones, separatist agitations and criminality in the South East, piracy and illegal maritime activities in the South South, as well as oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta.
“While these threats are diverse in nature, our resolve to confront and defeat them remains unwavering,” he said.
The DDMO revealed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have sustained intensive operations on all fronts as troops were conducting clearance operations, targeted air and maritime interdictions, and intelligence-driven raids aimed at degrading criminal networks, protecting civilians, and restoring stability in affected areas.
He said the military was committed to ensuring that every part of Nigeria enjoyed peace, security, and freedom.
Onoja gave an update on the activities of the military in the last one week and said many criminal elements were neutralised, apprehended, arms and ammunition recovered, hostages rescued, and several enclaves previously occupied by terrorists and bandits dismantled.
“We acknowledge that these successes would not have been possible without the courage and professionalism of our personnel working in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, as well as the cooperation of all Nigerians who provide timely and actionable information.
“Accordingly, for the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised, and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued.
“Troops foiled oil theft worth N217,664,618.00, representing 201,700 and 88,177 litres of crude oil and AGO,respectively. 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated in the process”,Onoja stated.
