The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant operational gains across multiple theatres of operation between 13 and 19 February 2026, arresting no fewer than 44 terrorists, collaborators and criminal elements, rescuing several kidnapped victims and denying oil thieves and organised crime networks millions of naira in illicit proceeds.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a press statement on Friday, noting that troops maintained sustained and intelligence-driven offensives to neutralise threats and safeguard communities across the country. He added that large quantities of arms, including automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes, machine guns, improvised explosive device materials and assorted ammunition were recovered during the week.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists through coordinated operations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The operations led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, arrest of seven suspects and rescue of three kidnapped victims. Troops also intercepted five individuals conveying ₦37 million suspected to be linked to terrorism financing, while another suspect was arrested with drones and solar power banks.
Similarly, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West recorded the arrest of nine terrorists and rescue of 26 kidnapped victims during aggressive operations across Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Sokoto states. Assorted arms, vehicles and stolen livestock were also recovered. The Defence Headquarters further appreciated the Zamfara State Government for donating 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers to support operations.
In the North-Central region, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD arrested five terrorists, rescued seven kidnapped victims and recovered arms and ammunition during clearance operations in Kwara and Niger states. Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau and parts of Kaduna states neutralised several terrorists, arrested three suspects and rescued six victims, while Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 11 terrorists, including a wife of a wanted kingpin, rescued four victims and recovered weapons, ammunition and logistics items.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled four illegal refining sites, arrested eight suspects and recovered arms as well as large quantities of methamphetamine valued at over ₦5 million, further denying criminal syndicates funds from crude oil theft and drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, Operation UDO KA in the South-East arrested eight suspected terrorists, neutralised some IPOB/ESN elements and recovered weapons during sustained offensive and cordon-and-search operations across Ebonyi and Imo states.
Overall, the Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and sustained collaboration with communities and other security agencies. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and urged citizens to continue providing credible information through the emergency toll-free line 193.
The Defence Headquarters also reassured Nigerians that ongoing operations would remain proactive, adaptive and decisive in dismantling criminal networks, restoring peace and ensuring national security.
