By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country’s conflict theatres, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting over 1,300 suspects, and rescuing hundreds of kidnapped victims in the first quarter of 2026.
This was disclosed during a combined First Quarter and monthly media briefing by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who reaffirmed the military’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustained offensive operations against criminal elements nationwide.
According to the briefing, troops operating under various joint task forces intensified counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security operations across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions, yielding measurable results.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other insurgent groups across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and neighbouring states. Within the quarter, several terrorist leaders were eliminated, 274 suspects arrested, and 168 kidnapped victims rescued, while 90 insurgents surrendered.
Notably, ISWAP confirmed the death of one of its senior leaders, Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, a development described by the military as a major blow to the group’s leadership structure.
In March alone, troops conducted precision airstrikes in Sambisa Forest, neutralising top commanders and dozens of fighters. Several coordinated attacks by insurgents were also repelled, including a failed drone assault in Mallam Fatori, which left 74 terrorists dead and led to the recovery of arms and ammunition.
Troops also intercepted logistics supplies suspected to be destined for insurgents, including fuel, spare parts, and medical items, while arrests of collaborators and suppliers further disrupted terrorist networks.
In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops neutralised terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, and rescued 386 kidnapped victims across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.
Key operations included the destruction of terrorist enclaves, rescue missions, and the arrest of logistics suppliers. Security forces also apprehended a suspected gunrunner in Kaduna State with 200 rounds of ammunition following intelligence-led operations.
Troops under Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke recorded major breakthroughs in the North Central region, targeting terrorist hideouts, illegal mining operations, and kidnapping networks.
Operations led to the neutralisation of several criminals, arrest of suspects, and interception of explosive materials. In one instance, troops foiled an attack on commuters in Niger State and rescued victims, while intelligence led raids uncovered ammunition concealment methods and logistics routes used by bandits.
Additionally, security forces arrested informants and collaborators linked to ransom collection and intelligence gathering for criminal groups.
Meanwhile, In the South South, Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against crude oil theft, illegal refining, and kidnapping. Troops dismantled 101 illegal refining sites and recovered over 547,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Several suspects were arrested, while kidnapped victims were rescued across Delta and Edo states. Joint operations with other agencies also led to drug-related arrests and the seizure of illicit substances.
Security operatives further thwarted attempts to sabotage oil infrastructure, recovering explosives rigged for vandalism in Bayelsa State.
In the South East, Operation Udo Ka targeted members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Troops arrested 91 suspects, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered arms and improvised explosive device (IED) materials.
During clearance operations, several IEDs were discovered and safely destroyed, while illegal refining sites were dismantled. Troops also neutralised IED specialists and repelled attacks on operational units without casualties.
The military's high command reiterated its commitment to operating within international humanitarian law and rules of engagement, while pledging to intensify operations to dismantle all criminal and terrorist networks.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and sacrifice, while also appreciating the support of other security agencies, the media, and the Nigerian public.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely intelligence, stressing that collective efforts remain crucial in sustaining the fight against insecurity across the country.
