The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes nationwide in February 2026, neutralised scores of terrorists and criminal elements, rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims, and dismantled multiple criminal networks across various theatres of operation.
This was disclosed during the monthly operational briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, highlighting the military’s continued commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and improving national security.
According to Onoja, troops intensified coordinated land, air, and maritime operations throughout February, combining advanced intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and community partnerships to confront terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs. He stressed that all operations were conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and rules of engagement, while prioritising the protection of civilians and human rights.
In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive actions against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements, significantly degrading insurgent capabilities. The military neutralised several terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims. Troops also repelled a coordinated terrorist assault in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State involving gun trucks, motorcycles, and drones, forcing the attackers to retreat after intense fighting.
Military operations also disrupted terrorist logistics networks in Yobe State, where troops intercepted supplies believed to be destined for insurgents and arrested illegal miners suspected of funding criminal activities. Continued offensives across Borno and Yobe States, supported by aerial reconnaissance and night ambushes along infiltration routes, destroyed terrorist camps and weakened their operational structures.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major breakthroughs against banditry and terrorism across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects, and rescued 251 hostages, including victims abducted from Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State who were safely reunited with authorities. The military noted that agro-security patrols introduced to protect farmers and herders were helping to stabilise rural communities and prevent exploitation of local conflicts by criminal groups.
Operations in the North-Central region also yielded gains. Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops conducted intelligence-driven offensives targeting terrorist hideouts in forested areas of Niger and Kwara States, neutralising criminals and restoring safer travel corridors. Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State responded swiftly to security threats, arresting suspects, rescuing hostages, and restoring calm in communities affected by farmer-herder clashes through coordinated security interventions and community engagement initiatives.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE operating across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States recorded arrests of suspected terrorists and logistics suppliers, alongside the recovery of weapons and large sums of money believed to be linked to criminal activities. Military authorities said these actions disrupted terrorist financing networks and encouraged further surrenders.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft operations, leading to the arrest of 59 suspects and the recovery of over 144,000 litres of crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automotive Gas Oil. Troops also dismantled 32 illegal refining sites and uncovered weapons fabrication activities during intelligence-led raids conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
Meanwhile, Operation UDO KA in the South-East sustained pressure on dissident groups, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Troops arrested 54 suspected terrorists and criminal elements while rescuing kidnapped victims during clearance operations targeting identified logistics hubs used by the groups.
Onoja noted that beyond combat operations, the Armed Forces continued non-kinetic engagements such as medical outreaches, humanitarian support, dialogue with community leaders, and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at preventing radicalisation and strengthening public confidence in security institutions.
He commended Nigerians for providing credible intelligence that contributed to operational successes and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through designated emergency channels.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces would sustain ongoing momentum, consolidate security gains, and remain resolute in creating a safe environment for citizens to live and conduct lawful activities peacefully.
The military also extended goodwill messages to Nigerians observing Ramadan and Lent, called for collective commitment to peace, unity, and national security.
