Military launches Operation Ember Guard to bolster security in South West

By Philip Nwosu

The military  has  activated a special internal security operation codenamed Operation Ember Guard to counter emerging security threats and ensure public safety across the South-West zone during the festive season.

The operation, which commenced on December 23, 2025, will run until January 15, 2026, and is aimed at proactively addressing rising criminal activities traditionally associated with the end-of-year period. These include armed robbery, cult-related violence, kidnapping, illegal bunkering, smuggling, vandalism of critical infrastructure, drug and human trafficking.

Speaking while announcing the operation on Tuesday, the Theatre Joint Taskforce South West, Operation AWATSE, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha disclosed that recent intelligence reports indicated an increased likelihood of security threats across the region during the Ember period, posing risks to public safety, economic activities and critical national assets.

According to the military, Operation Ember Guard is being executed in line with the mandate of Operation AWATSE, which focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining peace and stability across the South-West. The operation integrates the land, maritime and air components of Operation AWATSE  to ensure a robust and coordinated security response.

The exercise is also guided by the Military Strategic Philosophy of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, which emphasises enhanced jointness, 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 outlined for the operation 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. In addition, a medical outreach programme will be conducted as part of civil-military engagements to further strengthen relations with host communities.

The military reassured residents of the South-West of its full commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and creating a secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive throughout the festive period.w