By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres between February 9 and 13, 2026, sustaining pressure on terrorists, oil thieves and other criminal elements nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, Defence Headquarters said troops maintained a high operational tempo in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to neutralise threats and restore normalcy in affected areas.
According to the statement, large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered during the week, including automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms and improvised explosive device materials.
In the North East, troops under Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI conducted offensive operations across several local government areas of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were neutralised, eight suspects arrested and 11 kidnapped victims rescued. Air interdiction missions also targeted terrorist enclaves in Bama and Damboa local government areas of Borno State, destroying hideouts and eliminating fighters.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops carried out operations in Zamfara, Kano and Katsina states, neutralising several terrorists, arresting four suspects and rescuing two kidnapped victims. Weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock were recovered.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD and Operation ENDURING PEACE in the North Central zone conducted raids in Niger, Kwara, Plateau and Kaduna states. Several terrorists were neutralised, six suspects including a wanted kidnapper identified as Kamaru Chawai were arrested, and four kidnapped victims were freed.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes in Benue, Taraba and Kogi states. Eleven terrorists were arrested, nine kidnapped victims rescued, and arms, ammunition and motorcycles recovered. Troops also overran a criminal camp in Kogi forests, freeing over 13 captives.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled major oil theft activities, dismantling nine illegal refining sites and arresting 11 suspects. Troops also apprehended a wanted IPOB/ESN suspect, Eze Adeire, also known as Ikuku, alongside four others in Rivers and Bayelsa states. A suspected gunrunner was arrested with locally fabricated rifles.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops conducted cordon-and-search operations in Ebonyi and other states in the region, arresting eight suspected terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, courage and resilience.
He assured Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ sustained commitment to intensifying operations, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and adapting strategies to confront emerging security challenges.
General Onoja stated that the military remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, urging citizens to continue supporting security efforts toward achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.
