By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded sweeping gains against terrorists and criminal networks nationwide, rescuing 813 kidnapped victims and arresting 1,359 suspects in the first quarter of 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja during a media briefing, outlining key operational successes across all theatres.
He said troops also secured the surrender of 197 insurgents, recovered 458 weapons and 15,899 rounds of ammunition, dismantled 101 illegal refineries, and seized over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In the North East, Operation HADIN KAI intensified assaults on Boko Haram and ISWAP, killing several commanders and fighters, arresting 274 suspects, and rescuing 168 victims. The military also dealt a major blow to ISWAP leadership, with the confirmed death of senior figure Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir.
Onoja said precision air strikes in Sambisa Forest eliminated top terrorist leaders, while troops repelled multiple attacks in Borno and Yobe and foiled a drone assault in Mallam Fatori, leaving dozens of insurgents dead.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 386 kidnapped victims and arrested 114 suspects, destroying enclaves and intercepting arms and logistics suppliers across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Operations in the North Central under SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE, and WHIRL STROKE recorded arrests, rescue missions, and the disruption of terrorist supply chains, including interception of explosives and ammunition couriers.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE cracked down on oil theft, dismantling 101 illegal refining sites and recovering large volumes of stolen crude, while arresting suspects linked to kidnapping and drug trafficking.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA targeted IPOB/ESN elements, arresting 91 suspects, recovering weapons and IED materials, and destroying explosives and illegal camps.
Onoja stressed that operations were conducted in line with international law and reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain the offensive until all terrorist and criminal networks are dismantled.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely intelligence.
