The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded major operational gains across the country, neutralised terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, arrested criminal suspects, and recovered large caches of arms and ammunition in coordinated military operations conducted between February 13 and 19, 2026.
This was disclosed in a release signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said ongoing intelligence-driven operations by troops across various theatres continue to significantly degrade terrorist capabilities while strengthening security and restoring public confidence in affected communities.
According to the military, troops sustained pressure on insurgent groups in the North-East, denying them freedom of movement through aggressive offensives and patrols across several communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The operations resulted in the neutralisation of several fighters, the arrest of suspects, and the successful rescue of kidnapped victims. In one notable incident, troops intercepted five individuals conveying ₦37 million along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis, with investigations ongoing to determine the legitimacy of the funds and rule out possible links to terrorist financing. In a separate operation in Adamawa State, a suspect was arrested with aerial drones and solar power banks believed to be intended for terrorist logistics support.
Across the North-West, military operations targeting banditry and kidnapping networks led to the arrest of terrorists and the rescue of dozens of abducted victims, many of whom were reunited with their families. The Defence Headquarters noted that sustained offensives have disrupted criminal supply routes and weakened ransom-driven operations, contributing to renewed farming and trading activities in affected communities. The military leadership also acknowledged the donation of armoured personnel carriers by the Zamfara State Government, describing it as a significant boost to ongoing security operations.
In the North-Central region, troops responded swiftly to distress calls and carried out clearance operations across forested areas long exploited by criminal groups. Several terrorists were arrested, kidnapped victims rescued, and weapons recovered during engagements in Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. Military authorities said rapid deployment and collaboration with local security volunteers helped prevent further attacks and forced fleeing criminals to abandon victims and stolen items. Among those arrested was the wife of a wanted terrorist leader, whose capture is expected to provide valuable intelligence on criminal networks and financing structures.
Operations in the South-South region focused on combating crude oil theft and associated crimes threatening Nigeria’s economic assets. Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, arrested suspects involved in oil bunkering, and recovered arms alongside illicit drugs valued at over ₦5 million, underscoring what the military described as growing links between oil theft syndicates and organised criminal activities.
In the South-East, sustained offensives aimed at restoring stability led to the arrest of suspected terrorists, destruction of illegal camps, and recovery of weapons. Troops also engaged armed fighters during joint patrols with other security agencies, neutralising several combatants and further disrupting criminal operations in the region.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining professionalism in line with established rules of engagement and respect for human rights. The Chief of Defence Staff commended troops for their resilience and operational successes while expressing appreciation to host communities for providing timely intelligence supporting military efforts.
Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Armed Forces’ toll-free emergency line, 193, which remains active nationwide, as the military pledged to sustain proactive operations until threats to national peace and stability are decisively eliminated.
