By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained coordinated and intelligence driven military operations across various theatres of operation in the country, leading to the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims and disruption of criminal networks.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said troops carried out several successful offensive patrols, fighting patrols, clearance operations and rapid response missions between March 7 and 12, 2026.
According to the statement, the operations targeted terrorist enclaves, criminal hideouts, kidnapping networks, illegal oil refining sites and other threats to national security.
Major General Onoja noted that despite operational challenges in some areas, the troops recorded significant successes while safeguarding civilians and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), disrupting their logistics networks and curtailing their movement.
Between March 7 and 11, troops arrested several terrorist collaborators, including logistics suppliers and tax collectors in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State. Arms caches were also recovered after troops repelled terrorist attacks in Mafa and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Troops also successfully repelled simultaneous terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases in Tuba and Doro Baga on March 10, demonstrating high levels of combat readiness.
In another encounter on March 11, troops ambushed terrorists in Mantamaleri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two fighters. The same day, troops responded to distress calls in Madagali and Maiha Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, rescuing kidnap victims and seizing 23 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit intended for terrorist use.
Similarly, troops of Sector 2 in Goniri, Yobe State, supported by air power, repelled a coordinated night attack by ISWAP insurgents, killing over 20 terrorists, including a senior commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.
Several weapons, improvised explosive devices and ammunition were recovered, while troops maintained control of the area and launched follow-up clearance operations.
The military also disclosed that 14 additional terrorists surrendered during the period, bringing the total number of insurgents who have laid down their arms since the commencement of the deradicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor in 2015 to 122,843.
In the North West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma sustained pressure on terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Troops rescued kidnapped victims along the Abuja Kaduna road during an offensive patrol within the Mpape Kuyeri forest axis. In Sokoto State, soldiers destroyed a terrorist enclave belonging to the Lakurawa group in Tangaza Local Government Area.
Further operations led to the arrest of suspected terrorists in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, where rustled cattle were recovered. Troops also neutralised a terrorist during a clearance operation in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State and recovered an AK-47 rifle.
Security forces also intercepted suspected ammunition couriers and logistics suppliers in Zamfara and Sokoto states, recovering weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and fuel meant to sustain terrorist operations.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Savannah Shield recorded successes in counter-kidnapping operations in Kwara State. Troops responded to kidnapping incidents in Edu Local Government Area, rescuing several victims and neutralising four terrorists while recovering assault weapons and motorcycles used by the criminals.
In the North-Central region, troops under Operation Enduring Peace sustained operations across Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna states, rescuing kidnap victims and arresting criminal suspects.
On March 9, troops in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State rescued four women from hoodlums and arrested two suspects. Another suspect involved in an attack on a farmer was also apprehended in Mangu Local Government Area.
Troops also intercepted a commercial trailer carrying 802 bags of ammonium sulphate in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, a substance suspected to be used in the production of explosives. Investigations are ongoing.
Operations under Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi states also yielded results. Troops neutralised two terrorists in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and recovered weapons, ammunition, SIM cards and ATM cards believed to be linked to a wider criminal network.
In a separate operation in Otukpo Local Government Area, troops thwarted cattle rustling activities and recovered locally fabricated rifles, cartridges and motorcycles abandoned by fleeing suspects.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation Delta Safe raided a criminal hideout in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, arresting two suspects and recovering arms and ammunition.
Similarly, in Edo State, troops neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Egoro Forest in Etsako West Local Government Area.
Operations also continued in the South-East under Operation Udo Ka, where troops targeted criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
During route clearance operations in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, troops discovered and safely destroyed several improvised explosive devices planted along the Eketutu Uda axis, a road that had been abandoned for years due to the activities of criminal groups.
Troops also dismantled three illegal refining sites in Egbema West Local Government Area of Imo State, recovering several drums and a large storage tank used for illicit petroleum production.
Major General Onoja said the successes recorded across the theatres underscore the courage, professionalism and resilience of the armed forces.
He assured Nigerians that the military would continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to dismantle remaining criminal networks and restore lasting peace.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their dedication and sacrifices, while appreciating the public for providing timely and credible information that has aided ongoing operations.
He also acknowledged the role of the media in promoting responsible reportage that supports national security and public awareness.
