The Nigerian Armed Forces have activated a special internal security operation codenamed Operation Ember Guard to clamp down on criminals and terrorist elements operating across the South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti during the festive season.
MilitaryNewsNG gathered that Operation Ember Guard is a joint task force initiative involving the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, operating under Operation AWATSE, the Defence Headquarters’ security framework for the South-West region. Operation AWATSE is a multi-agency joint security operation primarily led by the Nigerian Navy, with a mandate to combat smuggling, economic sabotage and other related crimes.
Operation Ember Guard was activated to proactively counter emerging security threats and ensure public safety across the zone, particularly during the end-of-year period when criminal activities traditionally increase. The operation commenced on December 23, 2025, and will run until January 15, 2026.
The exercise targets a range of security challenges, including armed robbery, cult-related violence, kidnapping, illegal bunkering, smuggling, vandalism of critical infrastructure, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
Announcing the operation on Tuesday, the Theatre Commander of Operation AWATSE and Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, said recent intelligence reports indicated a heightened risk of security threats across the South-West during the Ember period. He noted that such threats pose serious risks to public safety, economic activities and critical national assets.
According to him, Operation Ember Guard is being executed in line with the core mandate of Operation AWATSE, which focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining peace and stability in the region. He explained that the operation integrates land, maritime and air components to deliver a coordinated and intelligence-driven security response.
Rear Admiral Mustapha added that the exercise is guided by the Military Strategic Philosophy of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, which emphasises enhanced jointness, a strengthened operational posture, effective administration, and close collaboration with other security agencies under a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to national security.
Key activities under Operation Ember Guard include intensified patrols on land and waterways, clearance operations, anti-robbery and anti-kidnapping missions, anti-smuggling operations, intelligence-led surveillance, and the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. A medical outreach programme will also be conducted as part of civil-military engagement efforts to strengthen relations with host communities.
The military reassured residents of the South-West of its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring a secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive throughout the festive period.
Members of the public were urged to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and provide timely and credible information to support the operation and enhance security within their communities.
