By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded significant operational successes across various theatres of operation, neutralising scores of terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering large caches of arms and ammunition during coordinated missions conducted between February 13 and 19, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters and signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military said the achievements were in line with its constitutional responsibility to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and maintain national security.
According to the statement, troops recovered automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, improvised explosive device materials and large quantities of assorted ammunition during the nationwide operations.
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained offensive actions against insurgent groups across Borno State and Yobe State. Operations in several local government areas led to the neutralisation of a number of terrorists, the arrest of seven suspects and the rescue of three kidnapped victims.
In a related development, troops intercepted five suspects along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis with ₦37 million in cash allegedly meant for distribution on behalf of an international NGO. The suspects and funds are currently under investigation to determine possible links to terrorist financing.
Troops also arrested a suspect, Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula, in Adamawa State, where two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks were recovered.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, intensified operations across Zamfara State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kaduna State, Kebbi State and Sokoto State resulted in the arrest of nine terrorists, the rescue of 26 kidnapped victims and the recovery of weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock.
The military also acknowledged the donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government to enhance ongoing security operations in the region.
In Kwara State and Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD foiled a terrorist attack in Motoku village, Patigi Local Government Area, recovering stolen motorcycles and preventing further casualties. Five terrorists were arrested while seven kidnapped victims were rescued during follow-up clearance operations.
Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE carried out raids across several local government areas in Plateau State and parts of Kaduna State, neutralising several terrorists, arresting three suspects and rescuing six kidnapped victims.
In the North-Central region, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE operating in Benue State, Taraba State, Kogi State and Nasarawa State arrested 11 terrorists, including the wife of a wanted kingpin, rescued four kidnapped victims and recovered arms, ammunition and logistics supplies.
Under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining, dismantling four illegal refining sites and arresting five suspected oil thieves. Additional operations in Delta State and Cross River State led to the arrest of three more suspects and the seizure of methamphetamine valued at over ₦5 million.
Troops of Operation UDO KA also conducted cordon-and-search missions in Ebonyi State and Imo State, arresting eight suspected terrorists, destroying illegal camps and recovering weapons. During a joint patrol in Imo State, troops engaged armed elements linked to IPOB/ESN, neutralising some fighters and seizing firearms.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law.The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and also praised host communities for providing timely intelligence that aided the operations.
The statement continued that citizens are urged to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the emergency toll-free number 193. The military assured Nigerians of its determination to proactively neutralise threats to peace and stability across the country.
