From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters on Friday said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised scores of terrorists and rescued 430 kidnapped victims across the country in February 2026.
The military high command also disclosed that troops destroyed 32 illegal refining sites, dismantled terrorist networks and recovered arms and ammunition during various operations nationwide.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, who briefed Defence Correspondents in Abuja, said the successes were recorded in ongoing multi-theatre operations conducted by the Armed Forces.
According to him, the troops intensified multi-domain operations during the month under review, leveraging advanced intelligence, inter-agency collaboration and community partnerships to tackle terrorists, kidnappers and economic saboteurs.
“By integrating kinetic strikes with non-kinetic initiatives such as humanitarian aid, infrastructure support and dialogue with local leaders, we are building resilient communities capable of withstanding adversarial influences,” he said.
Onoja added that all operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian standards and rules of engagement.
“AFN personnel’s discipline remains paramount, and we continue to invest in training and oversight to uphold these principles,” he stated.
Giving a breakdown of the operations, the defence spokesman said troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East sustained pressure on Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad factions, curtailing their mobility and logistics.
He said offensive operations were intensified in Abadam, Bama and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Damaturu and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State. He cited a firefight near Sabsawa village in Borno on February 21, 2026, where troops repelled a terrorist incursion and neutralised several insurgents.
In the North-West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, Onoja said troops countered terrorism across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states through coordinated ground and air operations. He disclosed that 36 suspects were arrested and 251 hostages rescued within the period.
He highlighted the rescue of 21 abducted victims from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa LGA of Katsina State on February 21, 2026, noting that the victims were safely handed over to state authorities.
In the North-Central, troops under Operation Savannah Shield and Operation Enduring Peace carried out intelligence-driven offensives in Kwara, Niger and Plateau states, neutralising several criminals, arresting 29 suspects and rescuing 22 hostages.
Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi states, recorded successes against banditry, kidnappings and communal violence, while facilitating dialogue initiatives to strengthen community security.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 59 suspects, recovered 144,050 litres of stolen crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil, and destroyed 32 illegal refining sites.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, Operation Udo Ka intensified operations against dissident groups, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, across several states in the region.
Onoja urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the military emergency line 193 or other security agencies, while commending troops for their sacrifices in addressing the country’s security challenges.
