Nigerian troops have recorded significant operational successes across the country, neutralised terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, while rescuing dozens of kidnapped victims during coordinated military operations conducted between January 1 and 15, 2026.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops, operating in conjunction with other security agencies and local security groups, sustained high operational tempo through kinetic and non-kinetic engagements aimed at enhancing national security and protecting lives and property.
Across the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. Operations conducted in several local government areas led to the neutralisation of numerous terrorists, the arrest of collaborators and logistics suppliers, and the rescue of abducted civilians. The military also repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on patrol bases in Adamawa and Borno States, with air support inflicting heavy casualties on fleeing terrorists. A notorious terrorist commander, Munzir, also known as Baa Yanziye, was confirmed neutralised during air interdiction missions, while another leader surrendered with his weapons.
In the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified offensive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger and Kano States. Several bandits were neutralised, others apprehended, and kidnapped victims rescued during clearance operations. Troops also safely diffused an armed unmanned aerial vehicle that crashed on farmland in Niger State, preventing possible casualties.
Operations in the North Central under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE recorded further gains, with troops responding to distress calls linked to violent extremism and kidnapping across Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Kwara States. Suspects were arrested, extremists neutralised and abducted persons rescued. A major breakthrough was achieved in Taraba State following the arrest of the wife of a notorious extremist, leading to the discovery of a hidden armoury containing rifles, ammunition and grenades.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE disrupted crude oil theft and illegal refining activities valued at over ₦53.7 million. Large quantities of stolen crude oil and diesel were recovered, illegal refining sites destroyed and suspects arrested across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
Similarly, in the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted clearance operations in criminal enclaves and forest hideouts in Enugu, Imo and Anambra States. Suspected IPOB/ESN members, cultists and an alleged arms dealer were arrested, while arms, ammunition and other incriminating items were recovered. Air reconnaissance and close air support missions further degraded criminal networks in the region.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed that Nigerian troops remain steadfast in denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action anywhere in the country, assuring Nigerians of the military’s continued resolve to safeguard lives, property and national stability.
