The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says its troops neutralised at least 74 terrorists, including senior commanders and bomb specialists, arrested suspects linked to crude oil theft and other criminal activities, and denied oil thieves access to no fewer than 3,660 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in nationwide operations conducted between 13 and 19 March 2026.
A review of the Defence Headquarters weekly operational briefing signed by its Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja shows that troops maintained pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, armed robbers and crude oil thieves across all theatres, including the North East, North West, North Central, South-South and South East
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI delivered one of the most significant blows to terrorist elements during the week when they repelled a complex attack involving drones at Mallam Fatori in Abadam LGA of Borno State. Following the encounter, exploitation operations led to the discovery of 74 terrorist bodies, including senior commanders, while troops also recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, 3 PKT machine guns, one RPG tube, assorted ammunition and operational documents.
The military also reported that troops in Banki, Bama LGA, repelled another terrorist attack, neutralising several fighters, while coordinated operations in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa with close air support from the Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation led to the elimination of several more terrorists, including a key commander.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves in Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina States, neutralising several terrorists during a fighting patrol in Tubali and Zangon Danmaka villages in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, while also foiling kidnap attempts and arresting terrorist collaborators and informants.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Operation ENDURING PEACE, and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded multiple arrests of gunrunners, logistics suppliers and suspected terrorist collaborators in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara and the FCT, further disrupting criminal supply chains and rescueing abducted victims.
The South-South theatre equally witnessed significant gains in the fight against oil theft and related criminality. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, working in collaboration with the DSS, NDLEA and other security agencies, arrested at least five suspected oil thieves and criminal collaborators linked to kidnapping, illegal arms movement and crude oil theft activities in Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River and Rivers States.
Within the same period, troops uncovered and dismantled multiple illegal oil bunkering and refining sites, including a major site in Warri South LGA of Delta State involving tankers, barges and large quantities of suspected illegally refined petroleum products. In separate operations, troops also intercepted 22 jerrycans containing about 660 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, and a speedboat conveying 25 sacks containing about 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO in Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State.
Additionally, troops in Tai LGA of Rivers State discovered and dismantled another illegal refining site, confiscating about 1,500 litres of illegally refined products. Altogether, the AFN denied oil thieves access to at least 3,660 litres of illegally refined petroleum products during the reporting period, excluding the large but unspecified quantities recovered at the Warri South illegal bunkering site.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained clearance and anti-criminality operations, repelling attacks on suspected terrorist hideouts in Orsu LGA of Imo State and neutralising two IED specialists attempting to emplace explosive devices. Troops also recovered IEDs, IED-making materials, a ballistic vest, communication equipment and other combat items.
The Defence Headquarters said the nationwide operational gains underscore the professionalism, resilience and commitment of the troops, while reaffirming that military operations will be intensified to dismantle the remaining pockets of terrorists, armed criminals and economic saboteurs threatening national peace and development.
The AFN also reiterated its commitment to operating in line with the rules of engagement, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, while calling on Nigerians to continue supporting troops with credible and timely intelligence.
