By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant successes in operations conducted nationwide between February 13 and 19, 2026, neutralising terrorists, arresting suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made this known in a statement outlining coordinated offensives across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East theatres.
In the North-East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in Borno and Yobe States. Several terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects apprehended and three kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also intercepted five individuals along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis with ₦37 million in cash, now under investigation. In Madagali, Adamawa State, one suspect was arrested with two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops carried out offensives across Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Sokoto States, leading to the arrest of nine terrorists and the rescue of 26 kidnapped victims.
Weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock were recovered. The DHQ added that the donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government would boost operational capacity in the region.
In the North-Central zone, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD operating in Kwara and Niger States arrested five terrorists and rescued seven victims. Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State neutralised several terrorists, arrested three suspects and freed six abducted persons. Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the arrest of 11 suspects across Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa States, rescued four victims and recovered arms and ammunition.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed four illegal refining sites, arrested five suspected oil thieves and recovered arms. Additional suspects were arrested in Delta and Cross River States, where methamphetamine valued at over ₦5 million was seized.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops arrested eight suspected terrorists in Ebonyi State, recovered weapons and neutralised armed elements during a joint patrol in Imo State.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, while urging citizens to continue providing timely information through the toll-free emergency line 193.
The DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sustaining pressure on criminal elements across all regions.
