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The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has sustained momentum in its ongoing operations across the North Central region, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting 78 suspects and rescuing 76 hostages in February 2026.
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 the Armed Forces’ operational activities.
According to him, under Joint Task Force North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops extended their presence across Kwara and Niger States, targeting terrorist hideouts in forested and border terrains.
He said intelligence-driven offensives led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, rescue of several hostages and recovery of substantial arms during a fierce engagement on 18 February 2026 along the Kainji–Kwimo road in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
He explained that the operation’s emphasis on rapid response and community intelligence has significantly curtailed ambushes and abductions, thereby creating safer corridors for commerce and travel.
Non-kinetic initiatives such as stakeholder forums have also strengthened collaboration with local communities, promoting peace accords and early warning mechanisms.
Major General Onoja further noted that troops have launched fighting patrols in collaboration with state governments to deny criminals access to forest sanctuaries, sustaining pressure and contributing to long-term regional stability.
On Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State, the Defence spokesman said troops effectively tackled terrorism, kidnapping and ethno-religious tensions through prompt responses to distress calls.
He revealed that several terrorists were neutralised, 29 criminals arrested, 22 hostages rescued and arms recovered in coordinated raids conducted alongside air and other security agencies.
He highlighted swift interventions in Babuje and Razat villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, as well as Jol and Dan Tanko communities in Riyom and Bassa LGAs, which helped to quell farmer–herder clashes and restore calm through dominance patrols and enforcement of law and order.
In addition to kinetic operations, the task force implemented youth empowerment programmes, including vocational training in agriculture and conflict resolution, aimed at preventing radicalisation and fostering harmony among communities.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi States, recorded notable successes against banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. The operation neutralised several terrorists, arrested 49 suspects, rescued 32 hostages and recovered weapons and ammunition.
Major General Onoja also disclosed that the arrest of a key terrorist on 21 February 2026 in Sarkin Kudu, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State led to the recovery of arms, magazines, ammunition and the sum of Two Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira.
He added that a wanted logistics supplier was apprehended on 23 February 2026 in Tajimi, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, further disrupting criminal financing networks and encouraging surrenders.
He stressed that beyond combat operations, Operation WHIRL STROKE facilitated inter-community dialogues and strengthened market security, which have boosted trade and reduced vulnerabilities that often fuel insecurity.
The Defence spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustaining ongoing operations and working closely with stakeholders to ensure lasting peace, stability and economic recovery across the North Central region.
