The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified military operations across the country, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting several criminal suspects, rescuing kidnapped victims and dismantling illegal refining sites as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a press briefing on military operations conducted between February 28 and March 6, 2026.
Onoja said troops operating under various Joint Task Forces across the country carried out coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations targeting terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and separatist groups, leading to significant gains in several theatres of operation.
According to him, the sustained operations have disrupted criminal networks, denied terrorists safe havens and strengthened community confidence while paving the way for economic recovery and the safe return of displaced persons.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded major successes against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East.
During the week under review, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 20 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents and their family members and rescued 24 kidnapped victims.
On February 28, troops arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State who confessed to supplying fuel and logistics to insurgents.
Similarly, troops repelled a terrorist attack in Bama LGA of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering arms and ammunition.
In Nganzai LGA, troops also engaged terrorists who deployed armed drones during an attack on a military location. The encounter resulted in casualties among the terrorists and the recovery of drones, anti-tank bombs, mortar bombs and improvised explosive device materials.
In a separate air operation, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes on terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest, killing several top commanders including identified ring leaders Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem.
Human intelligence sources indicated that the airstrike conducted on March 2 neutralised over 18 terrorist leaders and 42 fighters.
Under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages.
In Zamfara State, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist during an offensive patrol in Maru Local Government Area and recovered military-related items from him.
In Kaduna State, troops acting on intelligence raided a hospital in Giwa LGA where suspected terrorists were receiving treatment. Two suspects were arrested while the doctor fled.
Investigations revealed the suspects had sustained injuries during previous clashes with troops. When they attempted to escape during a follow-up operation, they were neutralised alongside other terrorists.
Troops also intercepted a vehicle carrying concealed arms and 542 rounds of ammunition hidden inside a bag of rice.
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield expanded operations in Kwara and Niger States, neutralising several terrorists, arresting three suspects and rescuing two kidnapped victims.
In a major operation on March 1, troops engaged terrorists in Roguwa Forest in Patigi LGA of Niger State, killing more than 17 terrorists during a fierce gun battle.
Troops also intercepted a vehicle transporting eight 50kg bags of ammonium chloride along the Eruku–Egbe road in Kwara State. Laboratory tests confirmed the substance as a precursor used in the production of improvised explosive devices.
Under Operation Enduring Peace, troops arrested suspected gunrunners in Kaduna and Plateau States and recovered fabricated rifles and other weapons.
Meanwhile, Operation Whirl Stroke recorded the arrest of 16 suspects and rescue of two kidnapped victims.
Twelve suspected terrorists were arrested in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. Security agencies said the suspects claimed affiliation with Miyetti Allah but could not provide identification. Their mobile phones reportedly contained contacts linked to known terrorist communication networks.
Troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified the fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
The military destroyed four illegal refining sites, dismantled processing equipment and arrested seven suspected oil thieves.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil near Bonny.
Additional recoveries included 960 litres of illegally refined petroleum products along the Omoku–Ahoada road and several other caches across Rivers and Abia States.
In total, the military said about 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and related products were recovered during the operations.
Troops under Operation Udo Ka intensified operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Five suspects were arrested during operations in Imo, Abia and Cross River States.
During clearance operations in Orsu LGA of Imo State, troops discovered a building used as an administrative office by suspected IPOB/ESN members.
Items recovered from the building included weapons, foreign currency and a Mobile Police uniform bearing Biafran insignia.
In Abia State, troops arrested three suspected IPOB/ESN members during a cordon-and-search operation in Ohafia LGA and recovered arms and ammunition.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended the gallantry and professionalism of troops involved in the operations.
He also paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the course of defending the nation and assured serving personnel and their families of the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to their welfare.
The military urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence while avoiding the spread of misinformation that could undermine national security.
The Armed Forces reiterated its determination to sustain operations across the country until lasting peace and security are achieved.
