The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded sweeping operational successes across the country in the first quarter of 2026, intensifying pressure on terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal networks.
At a media briefing in Defence Headquarters Abuja on March 31, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 1,359 suspects, and rescued 813 kidnapped victims between January and March.
He noted that sustained ground offensives, backed by air operations and real-time intelligence, were carried out across all operational theatres—North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East yielding measurable gains.
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI maintained relentless assaults on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, eliminating key commanders and fighters. Among those confirmed dead was senior ISWAP leader Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, whose loss the group reportedly described as significant. Troops also arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 victims, and facilitated the surrender of 90 insurgents and their families.
Operations in the North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA led to the rescue of 386 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 114 suspects, alongside the destruction of terrorist enclaves and logistics networks in states including Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
In the North Central region, coordinated operations such as SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE, and WHIRL STROKE resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, arrests of hundreds of suspects, and recovery of arms and ammunition. Troops also disrupted illegal mining activities and intercepted explosive materials in parts of Niger and Kwara states.
Further south, Operation DELTA SAFE recorded major gains against crude oil theft and illegal refining. The military dismantled 101 illegal refining sites and recovered over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products, dealing a significant blow to economic sabotage networks in the Niger Delta.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA targeted criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network. Troops arrested 91 suspects, rescued kidnapped victims, and destroyed multiple improvised explosive devices and illegal refining sites.
Overall, the AFN reported the recovery of 458 weapons and 15,899 rounds of ammunition during the quarter, alongside the dismantling of criminal infrastructure nationwide.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to professionalism, Major General Onoja said all operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian law and established rules of engagement.
Responding to questions from journalists, he stressed that some operational details remain classified due to security considerations, adding that ongoing investigations may take time before outcomes become evident.
“There are things we cannot disclose because of confidentiality, but I can assure you that the impact of ongoing efforts will be felt in the coming weeks and months,” he said.
He also assured Nigerians that the military remained on high alert, particularly during festive periods, noting that security agencies are not relenting despite evolving threats.
The AFN leadership commended troops for their courage and sacrifice, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to sustain the gains recorded so far.
