The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced that one terrorist surrendered while 57 suspected terrorists, collaborators, informants, logistics suppliers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements were arrested across various theatres of operation between 20 and 26 March 2026.
In a press statement made available to SpyeTV News on Friday on the ongoing military operations for the review period, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops under the strategic leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, sustained coordinated offensives that led to significant operational gains across the country.
According to the military, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East maintained pressure on Boko Haram/ISWAP/JAS terrorists across Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe states. During the week, troops arrested several suspected terrorist informants, logistics suppliers, and an arms dealer in locations including Maiduguri, Damboa, Kaga, Mubi and Donga. Weapons and logistics items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines, mobile phones, charms, bicycles, cash, and motorcycle spare parts.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and adjoining areas. The military said one wanted terrorist ammunition courier was arrested in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, while troops also neutralised terrorists during ambushes and clearance operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States. In Kibiya, Kano State, troops working with DSS operatives rescued the Secretary of Kibiya LGA, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, from a forest hideout and arrested two suspects.
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in the North-Central, troops responded to the attack on ECWA Church in Ora-Ago Community, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, where nine worshippers were abducted. The military said three victims were rescued, while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Troops also arrested a suspect conveying IED/explosive materials in Borgu LGA of Niger State, six suspected terrorists in Isin LGA of Kwara State, and seven illegal miners, including four foreign nationals from Niger Republic, at an illegal mining site in Luma Village, Borgu LGA.
In Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops sustained anti-kidnapping and security operations across Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Edo, Kaduna, Bauchi and the FCT. The operation led to the rescue of multiple kidnap victims in Plateau and Kogi States, the arrest of nine suspects during raids on criminal hideouts in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, and the arrest of three suspected terrorists in Guma LGA of Benue State with the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, charms, and other items. Another suspected terrorist was also arrested in Okpella Forest, Edo State.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes across Benue and adjoining states. In Gwer West LGA, troops made contact with terrorists, neutralised one and arrested four suspects. In Otukpo LGA, troops raided a suspected terrorist enclave and arrested five suspects, recovering six locally fabricated guns, one motorcycle, three machetes, and six mobile phones. Troops also apprehended three cattle rustling suspects in Makurdi LGA.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations across Rivers, Edo and Cross River states. The military said troops arrested suspected kidnappers in Etsako East and Etsako West LGAs of Edo State, while anti-illegal refining operations led to the discovery and deactivation of multiple illegal refining sites in Ahoada West, Bonny, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Abua/Odual LGAs of Rivers State. Recovered products included stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, drum ovens, reservoirs, pipes, hoses, and a black Lexus GX470 SUV conveying illicit products.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on criminal elements linked to the proscribed IPOB/ESN. The military said troops successfully detonated five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during clearance operations in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Troops also arrested one suspected criminal in Ikom LGA of Cross River State, while anti-bunkering operations in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State led to the destruction of a major illegal refining site and the recovery/destruction of about 23,000 litres of siphoned crude and illegally refined petroleum products.
The Defence Headquarters said the cumulative operational gains recorded during the week underscore the effectiveness of joint military strategy, intelligence-led missions, and collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
The military added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede, commended troops for their sacrifice, dedication and professionalism, while assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain ongoing offensives until threats to national security are decisively neutralised.
