Resurgence of Terror Attacks in Nigeria: A Critical Review of Military Successes and Setbacks

The Nigerian Military's efforts to combat terrorism have been marred by a surge in attacks on its bases, despite claimed successes against terrorist leaders. Between January and May 2025, there were a total of seven terror attacks on military formations, resulting in the loss of lives, equipment, and territory. The Defence Headquarters declared 106 terrorist/bandit leaders wanted in 2024, and at least 22 leaders have been eliminated, including notable figures like Abu Bilal Minuki and Alhaji Baldu. However, these successes have come at a significant cost, with the insurgents neutralizing several high-ranking terrorist leaders and field commanders.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nigerian Military has recorded a significant number of terror attacks on its bases in 2025, with a total of seven attacks between January and May.
• Despite claimed successes against terrorist leaders, the military's efforts have been hampered by the resurgence of attacks, resulting in the loss of lives, equipment, and territory.
• The Defence Headquarters declared 106 terrorist/bandit leaders wanted in 2024, and at least 22 leaders have been eliminated, including notable figures like Abu Bilal Minuki and Alhaji Baldu.
• The military has neutralized several high-ranking terrorist leaders and field commanders, including Amir Garin Manzo, Hussaini Ardo, and Abu Mohammed.
• The Army has removed the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai and all his field commanders following the setbacks.
• The country director of Amnesty International, Sanusi Isa, has condemned the attacks and called on the military to review its operations and ensure the safety of communities.
• Prof Khalifa Dikwa attributed the resurging terror attacks to complicity within the system and bad policies of the government, including the refusal to recruit the required strength and provide modern technology and equipment.

Statistics:

• 7 terror attacks on military formations between January and May 2025
• 106 terrorist/bandit leaders declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in 2024
• At least 22 terrorist leaders eliminated, including Abu Bilal Minuki and Alhaji Baldu
• 71,532 rounds of ammunition recovered during coordinated offensives in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Tunbums
• 3,002 firearms recovered during same coordinated offensives
• 22 extremist leaders eliminated, including Amir Garin Manzo, Hussaini Ardo, and Abu Mohammed
• 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) unable to return home due to ongoing security challenges

Sources:

• Leadership Newspaper (various articles)
• Defence Headquarters (2024 declaration of 106 terrorist/bandit leaders wanted)
• Amnesty International (statement by Sanusi Isa)
• Interview with Prof Khalifa Dikwa (exclusive to Leadership Newspaper)