The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded major successes in coordinated security operations across the country, neutralising terrorists, arrested criminal elements and rescued kidnapped victims between 19 and 23 January 2026.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja,at a press briefing in Abuja.
According to the military, the operations were carried out in synergy with other security agencies and local security groups, using intelligence-driven strategies to dismantle terrorist, bandit and criminal networks threatening national peace and stability.
Major General Onoja said troops operated with professionalism and strict adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, leading to the recovery of large quantities of arms, ammunition, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials and other logistics used by criminal groups.
He explained that in the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists in parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, neutralising several fighters, arrested suspects and rescued kidnapped victims. Air interdiction missions in Damboa, Abadam and Doron Duguri also led to the destruction of terrorist camps, weapons and equipment.
In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma recorded significant gains across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states, where troops neutralised terrorists, apprehended suspects and rescued victims of kidnapping. Weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock were recovered during the operations.
Similarly, in the North-Central region, troops under Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke carried out successful offensives in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory. These operations led to the arrest of several suspects, rescue of abducted persons and recovery of arms and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal refining sites and arrested oil thieves in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states, while recovering assorted arms and ammunition. In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates in Cross River State, arrested suspects in Anambra State and received about 80 militants who surrendered their weapons for amnesty.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens. He urged the media to continue responsible and balanced reporting, stressed that accurate information remained vital to sustaining public confidence and supporting ongoing operations.
He also commended Nigerians for their cooperation and support, noted that timely information and public trust remain critical to achieving lasting peace and security across the country.
