By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded major operational successes across the country in January 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and disrupting criminal networks in all theatres of operation.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, rescued 284 kidnapped victims, and secured the surrender of 124 terrorists and their family members during the period under review.
He disclosed that sustained military pressure also led to the destruction of 53 illegal oil refining sites and the recovery of large volumes of stolen petroleum products, including 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by air assets, neutralised several Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, arrested 74 suspects, rescued 40 kidnapped victims, and compelled 44 terrorists and their families to surrender. Five top terrorist commanders were also killed during firefights in Borno State, while precision air strikes destroyed terrorist enclaves in the Tumbus and Timbuktu Triangle.
Similarly, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West recorded the arrest of 52 terrorists, the rescue of 100 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms and ammunition across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and adjoining states. Close air support missions in Niger State further aided ground troops, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.
In the North Central, operations under ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE led to the arrest of over 170 criminals, the rescue of dozens of victims, and the neutralisation of extremists in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kaduna State. A notorious kidnap kingpin, Amadu Adamu, was also apprehended in Kaduna.
Meanwhile, Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South intensified efforts against oil theft and sea piracy, arresting 81 suspects and dismantling illegal refining camps across Delta and Akwa Ibom States. Air reconnaissance missions also disrupted large-scale siphoning of petroleum products.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA reported a decline in crime, with over 80 militants surrendering, 22 suspects arrested, and 11 kidnapped victims rescued, including eight Cameroonian nationals during cross-border patrols.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity, while urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence under the “See Something, Say Something” initiative.
