The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has sustained intense counter-terrorism operations across the North-East and North-West, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting 121 suspects, rescuing hundreds of hostages and securing the surrender of insurgents as part of ongoing efforts to restore stability.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on 27 February 2026 at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja during the monthly media briefing on military operations.
According to him, troops of Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI maintained sustained kinetic pressure against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad factions, curtailing their mobility and logistics through coordinated ground and air operations.
He revealed that during the month under review, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims. He noted that the surrenders included key commanders and fighters, further weakening the insurgents’ command structure.
Major General Onoja said aerial reconnaissance and intelligence-driven strikes targeted insurgent strongholds in remote and border regions, leading to significant recoveries of arms, ammunition and equipment, while enabling the safe return of displaced persons and revitalisation of local economies.
He disclosed that a major engagement occurred in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops repelled an attack by terrorists using gun trucks, motorcycles and five drones. The firefight resulted in the neutralisation of multiple insurgents and seizure of weapons and equipment.
He further stated that on 23 February 2026, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up conveying vehicle spare parts and fabrics meant for Boko Haram, as well as a truck transporting 460 bags of fertilisers in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State. Similarly, 42 illegal miners were apprehended in Gulani Local Government Area, disrupting illicit funding channels linked to insurgency.
The Defence spokesman added that offensive operations intensified in Abadam, Bama and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Damaturu and Geidam in Yobe State. He noted that troops responded decisively to a terrorist incursion near Sabsawa village on 21 February 2026, neutralising several insurgents and forcing others to flee.
He explained that coordinated air-land operations and night ambushes along infiltration routes from the Cameroon axis have strangled terrorist supply chains, destroyed camps and degraded ISWAP fighters across Limankara, Kukawa and Lamusheri.
Similarly, Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant gains across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects and rescued 251 hostages during coordinated ground and air operations.
He highlighted the rescue of 21 abducted victims on 21 February 2026 from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, who were kidnapped two days earlier and safely reunited with authorities.
Major General Onoja said interceptions of arms and ammunition from gunrunners have reduced ambushes and raids, while community dialogues have encouraged voluntary disarmament and strengthened vigilance networks.
He added that the introduction of agro-security patrols has helped protect farmers and herders, reduce conflicts exploited by criminal groups and support economic recovery. He also noted that the recent donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government has enhanced operational mobility and response capability.
The Defence spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustaining coordinated operations, securing mass surrenders, dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the country.
