WorldStage– In a major boost to national security operations, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have rescued 411 kidnapped victims and dismantled several terrorist networks, as sustained intelligence-led offensives continue to record significant gains across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a biweekly media briefing on Friday in Abuja.
He stated that the interception of arms caches and ammunition from gunrunners across various theatres of operation has severely disrupted criminal logistics, leading to a noticeable reduction in ambushes and coordinated attacks.
Addressing concerns over the presence of American military personnel in Nigeria, Major General Onoja clarified that their role is strictly limited to providing training and technical support. He emphasized that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains intact and has not been compromised in any form.
Building on recent operational successes, the Armed Forces have also introduced agro-security patrols aimed at protecting farmlands and herders, particularly in conflict-prone areas. The initiative is designed to curb farmer-herder clashes often exploited by terrorist groups, while supporting agricultural productivity and rural stability.
In addition, targeted infrastructure rehabilitation in bandit-affected communities is contributing to economic recovery efforts and discouraging youth recruitment into criminal networks by addressing some of the underlying drivers of insecurity.
Meanwhile, the recent donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) by the Zamfara State Government has further strengthened operational mobility, response capability, and overall combat effectiveness in the theatre.
Joint Task Force North East – Operation HADIN KAI
Providing updates on operations across the country, the General said troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained their kinetic campaign against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) factions. He noted that joint efforts with hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters effectively curtailed the terrorists’ mobility and logistical capabilities.
Within the month under review, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested eighty-five (85) suspects, facilitated the surrender of forty-six (46) insurgents and their families, and rescued one hundred and four (104) kidnapped victims. Significant recoveries of arms, ammunition, and equipment further eroded terrorist networks, enabling the safe return of displaced persons and revitalising local economies.
The General further disclosed that on 23 February 2026, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up van laden with vehicle spares and fabrics destined for Boko Haram, alongside a truck carrying four hundred and sixty (460) bags of fertiliser in Bade LGA of Yobe State. Similarly, forty-two (42) illegal miners were apprehended in Gulani LGA of Yobe State, disrupting illicit activities that fund insurgency.
North West – Operation FANSAN YAMMA
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has remained instrumental in countering terrorism across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. Through a combination of ground manoeuvres, air interdictions, and real-time intelligence, troops maintained operational superiority, neutralised several terrorists, arrested thirty-six (36) suspects, and rescued two hundred and fifty-one (251) hostages.
He noted that on 21 February 2026, troops rescued twenty-one (21) victims from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa LGA of Katsina State. The victims, abducted on 19 February 2026, were safely handed over to state authorities.
North Central – Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops expanded operations in Kwara and Niger States, targeting terrorist hideouts in forested and border communities. Intelligence-driven offensives neutralised scores of terrorists, rescued several hostages, and recovered substantial arms during a fierce engagement on 18 February 2026 along the Kainji–Kwimo Road in Magama LGA of Niger State.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE addressed terrorism, kidnapping, and ethno-religious tensions through rapid responses to distress calls. Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested twenty-nine (29) criminals, rescued twenty-two (22) hostages, and recovered arms in multiple coordinated raids.
Swift interventions in Babuje and Razat villages of Barkin Ladi LGA, as well as Jol and Dan Tanko communities in Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State, helped quell farmer-herder clashes and restore calm through dominance patrols and enforcement of law and order.
North Central – Operation WHIRL STROKE
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States, tackled farmer-herder disputes, banditry, and kidnapping through sustained offensive raids and patrols. Achievements included the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of forty-nine (49) suspects, rescue of thirty-two (32) hostages, and recovery of arms.
The arrest of a key terrorist on 21 February 2026 in Sarkin Kudu, Ibi LGA of Taraba State, led to the recovery of arms, magazines, ammunition, and Two Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N2,440,000) only. A wanted logistics supplier was also apprehended on 23 February 2026 in Tajimi, Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. These disruptions significantly impacted criminal financing and encouraged further surrenders.
South-South – Operation DELTA SAFE
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft operations. Troops arrested fifty-nine (59) suspects, rescued hostages, recovered one hundred and forty-four thousand and fifty (144,050) litres of crude oil and thirty-one thousand, six hundred and one (31,601) litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and destroyed thirty-two (32) illegal refining sites.
Maritime and land components, working in synergy with other security agencies, dismantled illegal processing equipment and safeguarded critical national assets.
South East – Operation UDO KA
Operation UDO KA intensified operations against dissident groups, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
During the period under review, troops arrested fifty-four (54) terrorists and other criminal elements and rescued several kidnapped victims. In a recent clearance operation targeting a building identified as an IPOB/ESN logistics hub, troops came under fire but repelled the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw into a rugged valley. A subsequent battle damage assessment indicated that scores of terrorists were neutralised, while others were severely wounded.
