The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across all theatres of operation in January 2026, dismantling 53 illegal refining sites, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting over 450 terrorists and criminal elements, and rescuing more than 250 kidnapped victims nationwide.
This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael E. Onoja, during the monthly Defence Headquarters press briefing held in Abuja.
Major General Onoja stated that the sustained operational momentum across the country reflects the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets, while maintaining professionalism, transparency, and accountability in line with national security imperatives.
North East: Terrorist Commanders Eliminated, Scores Neutralised
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained intense ground and air operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS). Between 1 and 29 January 2026, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 74 suspects, rescued 40 kidnapped victims, and recorded the surrender of 44 terrorists and their family members.
Notably, five top terrorist commanders and three lieutenants were eliminated during fierce engagements across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. Air interdiction missions destroyed terrorist camps and logistics hubs, particularly in the Tumbuktu Triangle and Northern Tumbun areas, degrading enemy combat effectiveness.
North West: 100 Kidnap Victims Rescued, Terror Networks Disrupted
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted coordinated operations across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, Kogi, Kwara States and parts of the FCT. During the period, several terrorists were neutralised, 52 arrested, and 100 kidnapped victims rescued.
Additionally, large caches of arms, ammunition, vehicles and rustled livestock were recovered, while air assets provided close air support to ground troops, leading to further neutralisation of fleeing terrorists.
North Central: Kidnap Kingpin Arrested, Criminals Neutralised
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops operating in Plateau and parts of Kaduna State neutralised extremists, arrested over 97 criminal elements, and rescued 30 kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered, while a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Ahmadu Adamu, was arrested in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Benue–Taraba Axis: 58 Arrested, 32 Victims Rescued
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kiiuogi, Kwara, Niger States and the FCT. Within the review period, several terrorists were neutralised, 58 arrested, and 32 kidnapped victims rescued, with additional arrests and rescues following responses to distress calls in multiple locations.
South-South: 53 Illegal Refineries Destroyed, 81 Oil Thieves Arrested
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft, sea piracy and militancy. Troops discovered and dismantled 53 illegal refining sites, arrested 81 oil thieves and other criminals, and recovered assorted arms and ammunition.
Air reconnaissance missions also led to the interception and destruction of vessels involved in illegal siphoning of petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
South-East: Militants Surrender, Crime Rate Drops
Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded notable gains across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, with over 80 militants surrendering, 72 arrests made, and 11 kidnapped victims rescued. Eight Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways. The Defence Headquarters noted a significant reduction in crime across the region.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and work closely with local communities to ensure lasting peace and stability.
He also reiterated the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra, “See something, say something,” urging Nigerians and stakeholders to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
“With the continued support of the media and the Nigerian public, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain confident of defeating all threats to national security,” he said.
