The Nigerian military has intensified nationwide operations, dealt heavy blows to terrorist and criminal networks while rescuing dozens of abducted victims across multiple regions of the country.
In a weekly operational update covering 31 January to 8 February 2026, the military said its troops sustained aggressive, intelligence-driven offensives aimed at neutralising threats, restoring peace, and safeguarding lives and property. Large quantities of arms, ammunition, and explosive-making materials were recovered during the period.
Across the North East, sustained ground and air operations dismantled key Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, including high-value commanders. Troops destroyed detention facilities used to hold abducted victims and rescued scores of captives, while ongoing clearance operations created safer conditions for the return of displaced persons. Hundreds of Nigerian refugees were successfully repatriated from Cameroon under tight military security.
In the North West and parts of the North Central region, troops engaged terrorists in multiple flashpoints, overrunning camps, neutralising fighters, and rescuing kidnapped victims. Security operations were stepped up in Kwara and Niger States following recent attacks, with a new operation launched to dismantle emerging terrorist enclaves and reassure affected communities.
Operations in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and neighbouring states led to the arrest of criminals, the rescue of abducted persons, and the recovery of weapons and logistics. In Benue State, troops responded swiftly to a recent attack, stabilising the area and disrupting terrorist movements.
In the South-South, troops frustrated large-scale crude oil theft, destroyed illegal refining sites, and arrested suspects linked to economic sabotage. In the South East, coordinated offensives resulted in the arrest of terror suspects and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the professionalism and bravery of the military personnel and expressed condolences to the families affected by recent attacks in Kwara State. He reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely information, stressing that sustained cooperation remains critical to achieving lasting peace and stability nationwide.
