The Defence Headquarters says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested suspects, rescued kidnapped victims and foiled crude oil theft attempts in coordinated operations carried out across the country between February 13 and 19, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the operations were intelligence-driven and aimed at countering threats to national security, disrupting criminal networks and safeguarding communities.
According to Major General Onoja, troops recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, including automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms and materials for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
NORTH-EAST: TERRORISTS NEUTRALISED, ₦37M INTERCEPTED
Under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP elements in several Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states.
The military said scores of terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects arrested and three kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also intercepted five individuals along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis with ₦37 million in cash, allegedly meant for distribution on behalf of an international NGO. The suspects and funds are in custody pending investigation.
In Adamawa State, one Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula was arrested in Madagali LGA with two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks suspected to be logistics items for terrorists.
NORTH-WEST: 26 KIDNAP VICTIMS FREED
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted aggressive raids across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states, targeting terrorist networks responsible for mass abductions and cattle rustling.
Nine terrorists were arrested, 26 kidnapped victims rescued and assorted arms, vehicles and rustled livestock recovered.
The military also acknowledged the donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government to boost ongoing operations in the state.
NORTH-CENTRAL: ARRESTS, RESCUE OPERATIONS INTENSIFY
In the North-Central region, troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE recorded multiple successes across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa states.
Several terrorists were neutralised during firefights, while over 20 suspects were arrested across the theatre. Kidnapped victims were rescued in separate operations, and arms and ammunition recovered.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also presented the Flag of Authority to the Commander of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Ilorin, Kwara State, reinforcing the operational mandate of the task force.
SOUTH-SOUTH: ILLEGAL REFINERIES DESTROYED
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled four illegal refining sites and arrested suspected oil thieves. Assorted weapons were recovered, while substantial quantities of methamphetamine valued at over ₦5 million were seized in Delta and Cross River states.
The operations, the military said, are part of ongoing efforts to protect critical oil infrastructure and curb revenue losses linked to crude oil theft.
SOUTH-EAST: TERRORIST CAMPS RAIDED
Under Operation UDO KA, troops intensified cordon-and-search operations in Ebonyi and Imo states. Eight suspected terrorists were arrested, illegal camps destroyed and kidnapped victims rescued.
In a joint operation in Imo State, troops engaged suspected IPOB/ESN elements, neutralising some and recovering rifles.
CDS COMMENDS TROOPS
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that troops remain guided by rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
General Oluyede commended troops for their resilience and thanked host communities for providing timely intelligence. He urged citizens to continue using the toll-free emergency line 193 to report suspicious activities.
The military assured Nigerians that it would remain proactive and decisive in neutralising all threats to peace and stability nationwide.
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