The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has sustained a high operational tempo across multiple theatres of operation, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and dismantling criminal networks between February 9 and 13, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said troops, working closely with other security and intelligence agencies, carried out a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at neutralising threats, protecting citizens and restoring normalcy in affected areas.
According to him, large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered during the week, including automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms and materials for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were also seized.
NORTH EAST: OPERATION HADIN KAI INTENSIFIES PRESSURE
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), maintained sustained offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
Operations conducted in Bama, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Guzamala, Jere, Konduga, Mafa and Mobbar Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, Damaturu LGA of Yobe State, and Gombi and Maiha LGAs of Adamawa State led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists. Eight suspects were arrested, while 11 kidnapped victims were rescued.
In a separate encounter at Komala Village in Jere LGA of Borno State on February 9, troops ambushed terrorists in their enclave, neutralising dozens and recovering weapons, motorcycles, bicycles and other items.
The Air Component of OPHK, in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation, also carried out precision strikes in Chongolo Kura in Bama LGA and Abbagajere Village in Damboa LGA of Borno State after tracking terrorist movements. Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the destruction of terrorist structures and the neutralisation of several fighters.
NORTH WEST: OPFY RESCUES VICTIMS, NEUTRALISES TERRORISTS
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) recorded significant gains across Zamfara, Kano and Katsina states.
Between February 8 and 12, offensive operations in Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Maru and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State, as well as Doguwa LGA of Kano State and Kafur LGA of Katsina State, resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists. Four suspects were apprehended, while two kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock were also recovered.
NORTH CENTRAL: COORDINATED STRIKES YIELD RESULTS
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops conducted operations in Borgu and Mokwa LGAs of Niger State, and Baruten, Edu and Ifelodun LGAs of Kwara State, dislodging terrorist checkpoints and hibernation camps.
Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls in Jos North, Mangu, Riyom and Wase LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Jama’a and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State. Several terrorists were neutralised, a wanted kidnapper identified as Kamaru Chawai and five others were arrested, and four kidnapped victims were rescued.
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops also recorded successes in Benue, Taraba and Kogi states. In Gwer West, Kwande and Otukpo LGAs of Benue State, and Ardo Kola and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State, troops carried out offensive operations, arresting 11 terrorists and rescuing nine kidnapped victims.
In Lokoja, Okene and Yagba West LGAs of Kogi State, troops responded to kidnapping incidents and, during fighting patrols in Adonkolo and Kakanda forests, captured Batijjo’s Camp, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition and rescuing over 13 kidnapped victims.
SOUTH-SOUTH: OIL THEFT FOILED, NOTORIOUS SUSPECTS ARRESTED
In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled significant crude oil theft, destroyed nine illegal refining sites and arrested 11 oil thieves and other criminal elements.
Operations in Ahoada and Etche LGAs of Rivers State and Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State led to the arrest of a wanted IPOB/ESN terrorist, Eze Adeire (aka Ikuku), alongside four others. A suspected gunrunner was also apprehended in Ahoada LGA with several locally fabricated rifles.
SOUTH EAST: CORDON-AND-SEARCH NETS SUSPECTS
Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
A cordon-and-search operation in forested areas of Amasiri, Ezekwu Ohaechara and Obi communities in Afikpo North and Afikpo South LGAs of Ebonyi State led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
AFN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT
The AFN reiterated its commitment to denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism and resilience, assuring Nigerians of intensified operations, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and adaptive strategies to tackle emerging security challenges.
The military also called for continued public support and cooperation, emphasising that collective efforts remain vital to achieving lasting peace and national stability.
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