The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with other security agencies, have recorded major operational successes against terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements across the country, recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition while rescuing kidnapped victims.
This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Michael Onoja, during a press briefing on ongoing military operations conducted nationwide between 19 and 23 January 2026.
According to him, the coordinated, intelligence-driven operations were executed with professionalism, strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law, and respect for human rights, despite the increasingly complex security environment.
Overall, troops recovered a wide range of weapons, including automatic firearms, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated weapons, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components, and large quantities of live ammunition.
North East
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive ground and air operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists in parts of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. During encounters in Damboa, Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza, Biu, Michika, and Damaturu LGAs, several terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects were arrested, and four kidnapped victims rescued.
Air components conducted precision strikes in Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri areas of Borno State, with battle damage assessments confirming that dozens of terrorists were neutralised and their logistics destroyed.
North West
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained operational momentum across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states. Offensive operations in Maru, Anka, Tsafe, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara, Birnin Magaji, Batsari, Kankara, Tangaza, Wurno, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari LGAs led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of 10 suspects, and the rescue of seven kidnapped victims. Arms, vehicles, and rustled livestock were also recovered.
North Central
In the North Central zone, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna states, neutralising extremists, arresting 39 criminal suspects, and rescuing four kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered, alongside $4,500 suspected to be proceeds from cattle rustling.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara states, and the FCT, arresting 11 suspected kidnappers and rescuing six victims, while recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items.
South-South
In the South-South, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE foiled major oil theft activities, discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites, and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals across Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers states. Additional operations in Delta and Bayelsa LGAs led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
South East
Troops of Operation UDO KA rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates along the Ikang waterways in Cross River State. Three suspects were also arrested in Anambra State, while about 80 militants voluntarily surrendered with their arms and ammunition at Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State as part of ongoing amnesty efforts.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated the crucial role of the media as strategic partners in national security, urging accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting, especially on sensitive operational matters.
The military expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their continued support, cooperation, and timely information, assuring the public of its unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and safeguarding lives and property across all theatres of operation.
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