By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other services under the Armed Forces of Nigeria, recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation in January 2026, dealing major blows to terrorists, kidnappers and oil thieves nationwide.
Within the month under review, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and criminal elements, and successfully rescued 284 kidnapped victims. In a further boost to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, 124 terrorists and their family members surrendered to military authorities, reflecting increased pressure on insurgent networks.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the monthly Defence Headquarters press briefing held in Abuja stating that beyond combat operations, troops also achieved remarkable results in protecting Nigeria’s economic assets.
Major General Onoja said that the sustained operations in the Niger Delta disrupted crude oil theft and illegal refining, leading to the recovery of over 210,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Troops additionally destroyed 53 illegal refining sites, underscoring the Army’s resolve to safeguard national resources.
Operation Hadin Kai Sustains Momentum
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists through coordinated ground and air offensives.
Between January 1 and 29, troops recorded notable victories across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting 74 suspects, rescuing 40 kidnapped victims, and receiving the surrender of 44 terrorists and family members.
The month also saw the elimination of high-value targets, including five top terrorist commanders and three lieutenants, while key commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida were taken out during an encounter in the Mandara Mountains.
Air interdiction missions further degraded terrorist strongholds, particularly in the Northern Tumbus and Timbuktu Triangle, where dozens of insurgents, including senior commander Qaid and his deputy Munzir, were neutralised.
Major General Onoja stated that, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained high operational tempo across Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna and neighbouring states, recording significant successes against banditry.
During the month, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 52 suspects, and rescued 100 kidnapped victims. Arms caches intercepted from gunrunners further weakened criminal supply chains.
Air support operations in Niger State also proved decisive, as close air support strikes neutralised terrorists during clearance operations in Shiroro.
In Plateau and parts of Kaduna, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North Central
responded swiftly to extremist threats, neutralising scores of criminals, arresting 86 suspects, and rescuing 24 victims. Notably, troops captured a notorious kidnap kingpin, Amadu Adamu, in Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and surrounding areas, recorded major achievements, arresting 58 criminals, rescuing 32 kidnapped victims, and recovering weapons during sustained offensives.
South-South, in the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE delivered a strong crackdown on oil theft, militancy and piracy.
According to him, troops arrested 81 oil thieves, recovered stolen petroleum products, and dismantled illegal refining operations. Armed reconnaissance missions also targeted criminal activities around Bakana and Abuloma, disrupting illicit siphoning operations.
In the South East, troops under Operation UDO KA recorded improved security outcomes, with crime rates dropping significantly compared to previous months.
Over 80 militants surrendered, while troops rescued eight Cameroonian nationals during cross-border patrols along Bakassi waterways. The operation also led to the arrest of 22 suspects and the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to defending lives, property and the territorial integrity of the nation.
Major General Onoja said the Military authorities commended Nigerians for their resilience and cooperation, stressing that timely intelligence from citizens remains critical to operational success.
The Defence Headquarters urged the public to continue supporting security efforts under the mantra: “See Something, Say Something.”
