From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that Nigerian troops recorded significant operational successes in January 2026, neutralizing scores of terrorists, rescuing 284 kidnapped victims, and arresting 452 suspects across multiple regions.
Briefing journalists on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops also recovered large quantities of stolen petroleum products, destroyed illegal refineries, and secured the surrender of 124 terrorists and their families.
“Within January 2026, our troops in various theatres neutralized several terrorists, arrested 452 suspected criminals, and rescued 284 kidnapped victims. Additionally, 124 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendered to our troops,” Major General Onoja stated.
He added that the military recovered 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of dual-purpose kerosene, and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, while 53 illegal refining sites were destroyed in the Niger Delta.
North-East: Operation Hadin Kai
In the North-East, troops eliminated top Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders and rescued dozens of victims. Across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, 74 suspects were arrested, 40 kidnapped victims rescued, and 44 terrorists and their family members surrendered.
“In the Timbuktu Triangle, our troops, with air support, engaged ISWAP terrorists, neutralizing dozens while others fled with varying degrees of injuries,” Major General Onoja said.
North-West: Operation Fansan Yamma
Troops in the North-West maintained high operational tempo across Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Kogi, Kwara states, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory. During the month, over 100 abductees were rescued, and 52 criminal suspects arrested.
“Operation Fansan Yamma recorded the rescue of over 100 kidnapped victims and the neutralization of several terrorists across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighbouring states,” he said.
North-Central: Operations Enduring Peace & Whirl Stroke
In Plateau and parts of Kaduna states, troops under Operation Enduring Peace neutralized scores of extremists, arrested 86 criminals, and rescued 24 kidnapped victims, with arms and ammunition recovered. Meanwhile, Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba neutralized several terrorists, arrested 58 suspects, and rescued 32 victims.
South-East & South-South
Troops under Operation Udo Ka responded to terror, piracy, and militancy across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Over 80 militants surrendered, and eight Cameroonians were rescued along the Bakassi waterways.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe disrupted oil theft, recovered stolen items, and destroyed 53 illegal refining sites.
Commitment to National Security
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the military’s resolve to maintain peace and stability. “The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats. With the cooperation of citizens and stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting peace and stability,” he said.
He urged national leaders and citizens to continue providing vital intelligence to help troops flush out criminals and safeguard lives, property, and territorial integrity.