By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and separatist elements in several theatres of operation.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the sustained operations have denied criminal groups safe havens, curtailed their mobility and created conditions for the safe return of displaced persons and economic recovery in affected communities.
According to the statement, troops deployed under various operations neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested dozens of suspects, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms, ammunition and other critical materials used by criminal elements.
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops intensified operations against remnants of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS). Within the reporting period, troops neutralised several insurgents, arrested 20 suspects and rescued 24 kidnapped victims. Eleven insurgents also surrendered alongside their family members.
The military disclosed that on February 28, 2026, troops arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspects reportedly confessed to facilitating the sale of rustled cattle, purchasing fuel and providing logistics support to terrorists. Their interrogation led to the discovery of a hidden storage facility containing medical supplies used by insurgents.
In a separate incident, troops repelled a terrorist attack in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on the same day, neutralising several insurgents and recovering sophisticated weapons and ammunition. On March 1, troops in Nganzai Local Government Area engaged terrorists deploying armed drones, leading to further casualties among the insurgents and the recovery of drones, anti-tank bombs, improvised explosive device materials and other equipment.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also carried out precision strikes on terrorist structures in Sambisa Forest on March 2. Battle damage assessment confirmed the elimination of several top commanders, including ring leaders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, along with fighter Hussaini Ubaida. Intelligence sources indicated that more than 18 terrorist leaders and 42 fighters may have been killed during the operation.
Similarly, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West sustained pressure on terrorist groups through coordinated ground and air operations. During the week, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages.
In Zamfara State, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist during an offensive patrol in Gobirawa Challi village in Maru Local Government Area. Military accoutrements were discovered in his possession and he is currently undergoing further investigation.
In another operation in Kaduna State, troops acting on intelligence reports raided a hospital in Galadimawa, Giwa Local Government Area, where suspected terrorists were receiving treatment for injuries sustained during earlier encounters with security forces. Two suspects were arrested while a doctor fled the scene. Subsequent operations led to the recovery of arms and ammunition.
Operations under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Kwara and Niger States also recorded successes, including the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of three suspects and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.
A major operation conducted in Roguwa Forest in Patigi Local Government Area of Niger State on March 1 resulted in the killing of over 17 terrorists following an intense firefight. Troops also intercepted a vehicle transporting eight 50 kilogram bags of ammonium chloride along the Eruku-Egbe road in Kwara State. Laboratory tests later confirmed the substance as a key component used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.
In Plateau and Kaduna States, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested suspected arms dealers and recovered fabricated rifles and ammunition during targeted raids and stop-and-search operations.
Meanwhile, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the arrest of 16 suspects in Kogi State, including 12 individuals apprehended in Atachi, Lokoja Local Government Area. The suspects allegedly claimed affiliation with Miyetti Allah but could not provide valid identification. Security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and cash from them.
In the Niger Delta, troops conducting Operation DELTA SAFE intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining. The military destroyed four illegal refining sites, arrested seven suspects and recovered approximately 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products across Rivers and Abia states.
Similarly, troops under Operation UDO KA intensified operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Several suspects were arrested in Abia and Cross River states, while weapons, foreign currency and other materials were recovered from terrorist hideouts in Imo State.
The Defence Headquarters said the cumulative results of these operations included the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, the arrest of dozens of suspects, the rescue of more than 50 kidnapped victims and the recovery of weapons, drones and ammunition.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their bravery and professionalism in confronting security threats across the country. He also paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The military urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to security agencies and to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing operations.
“The cooperation of the public remains critical to sustaining these successes and achieving lasting peace and security across the country,” the statement added.
