The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified coordinated nationwide operations across multiple theatres, killing over 30 terrorists, arresting 20 suspected oil thieves and terrorist logistics suppliers, rescuing kidnapped victims, destroying illegal refining sites, and recovering arms, ammunition, and other criminal assets between 7 and 12 March 2026.
This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a press briefing on the ongoing military operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Major General Onoja said troops sustained “coordinated and intelligence-driven operations” across the country, targeting terrorist enclaves, criminal hideouts, kidnapping syndicates, and illegal oil refining networks.
According to him, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East maintained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists, significantly disrupting their movement and logistics.
He said key successes included the arrest of three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kanama and a terrorist tax collector in Kafiya Village, both in Geidam LGA of Yobe State, on 7 March 2026.
On 11 March, troops of Sector 2 in Goniri, Yobe State, backed by close air support, repelled a coordinated multi-directional night attack by ISWAP terrorists, killing over 20 insurgents, including a high-value commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.
In the same theatre, troops also neutralised two terrorists during an ambush operation in Mantamaleri, Konduga LGA of Borno State, while several terrorist attacks in Mafa, Jere, FOB Tuba, and Doro Baga were successfully repelled.
The Defence spokesman added that 14 additional terrorists surrendered, bringing the cumulative number of insurgents who have surrendered under Operation SAFE CORRIDOR since 2015 to 122,843.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained pressure on terrorist elements across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
Onoja disclosed that on 8 March, troops destroyed a Lakurawa terrorist enclave in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State. On 9 March, troops neutralised one terrorist in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State, while a follow-up operation in Dagozawa Village led to the recovery of additional rifles and communication equipment.
He further revealed that on 10 March, troops repelled a probing terrorist attack in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, arrested two suspects, and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition concealed in a bag of millet.
In a major breakthrough against terrorist logistics, troops also arrested 15 suspected logistics suppliers at illegal fuel distribution points in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, recovering nine motorcycles and 19 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for terrorist operations.
Similarly, in the North Central, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded notable successes in Kwara State, rescuing several kidnapped victims and neutralising four terrorists during a joint operation with vigilantes in Chita Community, Edu LGA, on 8 March.
On 7 March, troops at Lafiagi Patrol Base rescued a kidnapped victim in Nda Kansa Community, while another two victims were rescued in Pategi LGA on 9 March.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE also recorded successes in Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States, where kidnapped victims were rescued and criminal elements disrupted.
On 11 March, troops intercepted a commercial trailer in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State conveying 802 bags of granular ammonium sulphate, a substance often associated with the production of explosives, while investigations into the consignment are ongoing.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State on 9 March engaged suspected terrorists and neutralised two of them, recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, a motorcycle, 82 SIM cards, and multiple ATM cards.
In Otukpo LGA of Benue State, troops also disrupted cattle rustling activities, recovering two motorcycles, three locally fabricated rifles, cartridges, machetes, and hard drugs after suspects fled.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested two suspected oil thieves/criminals during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ukwuani LGA of Delta State on 7 March, recovering arms and ammunition.
Also, on 10 March, troops in collaboration with local hunters carried out a clearance operation in Egoro Forest, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, where they neutralised three suspected kidnappers and recovered AK-47 magazines, mobile phones, and cutlasses.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against criminal elements linked to IPOB/ESN, reopening previously abandoned routes and dismantling illegal refining infrastructure.
Onoja stated that on 7 March, troops discovered and safely destroyed eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Eketutu–Uda axis in Orsu LGA of Imo State, a road that had remained largely abandoned for three years due to the activities of IPOB/ESN elements.
On 8 March, troops uncovered and detonated three additional IEDs along the Eketutu Market axis, further securing the route for civilian movement and economic activity.
He added that on 11 March, troops operating in Egbema West LGA of Imo State dismantled three illegal refining sites, recovering and destroying 32 cooking drums and one 5,000-litre metal storage tank, dealing what he described as a “significant blow” to economic saboteurs and illegal oil refining networks.
The Defence spokesman said the successes recorded across the various theatres underscore the “courage, professionalism, and resilience” of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He assured Nigerians that the military would sustain and intensify ongoing operations until all remaining pockets of terrorists and criminal elements are dismantled.
Major General Onoja also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to troops, the media, and members of the public for their continued support, credible intelligence, and commitment to national security.
