The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant successes across multiple theatres of operation nationwide between 1 and 15 January 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, dismantling criminal networks, and recovering large caches of arms and ammunition.
According to a statement issued by the
Director, Defence Media Operations, DHQ Major General Michael Onoja, noted that troops working in collaboration with other security agencies sustained aggressive kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at enhancing national security and promoting stability across the country.
During the reporting period, troops recovered assorted weapons including automatic rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components, as well as large quantities of live ammunition. Several terrorists were neutralised, while many suspects, informants, and logistics suppliers were arrested.
North East: Terrorist Networks Disrupted
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops intensified operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Operations conducted in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Damboa, Chibok, Mafa, Guzamala, Hong, Madagali, Damaturu, and Gujba LGAs led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, arrest of 34 suspects, and rescue of 17 kidnapped victims.
Troops also foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Sabon Gari, Madagali LGA of Adamawa State, and Forward Operating Base Azir in Borno State on 16 January 2026. Air Component strikes subsequently neutralised fleeing terrorists, despite minor damage to facilities caused by RPG fire.
Additionally, a suicide bomber arrested by troops identified Shariff Umar (alias Yusuf) as the mastermind behind the 24 December 2025 Gamboru Market Mosque bombing, alongside other accomplices. A terrorist leader, Yakubu Adamu, later surrendered with his weapons in the Azir Wajiroko area.
Air interdiction missions conducted between 1–13 January 2026 resulted in the neutralisation of a high-profile terrorist commander, Munzir (also known as Baa Yanziye), and the destruction of several terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle and Damboa axis.
North West: Bandits Neutralised, Hostages Freed
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, and Kano States. During the period, several terrorists were neutralised, 9 suspects arrested, and 52 kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, vehicles, livestock, and other items were recovered.
On 2 January 2026, troops safely diffused explosives from a crashed armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) discovered on farmland in Kontagora LGA of Niger State.
Air reconnaissance and interdiction missions carried out between 9–12 January 2026 in Jigawa and Zamfara States destroyed terrorist hideouts and logistics hubs.
North Central: Criminals Arrested, Arms Seized
In the North Central, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted operations across Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and Kwara States. These operations resulted in the arrest of over 30 criminals, rescue of 35 kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items.
A major breakthrough was recorded in Takum LGA of Taraba State, where troops arrested the wife of a notorious extremist, John Gata. Her interrogation led to the recovery of 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 magazines, over 690 rounds of ammunition, and four hand grenades from a hidden armoury.
South-South: Oil Theft Crushed
Under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops operating in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States foiled oil theft valued at over ₦53.7 million, recovering 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Troops also destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals.
South East: IPOB/ESN Members Arrested
Troops of Operation UDO KA carried out clearance operations in Enugu, Imo, and Anambra States, targeting terrorist and cultist enclaves. Several suspects, including three IPOB/ESN members and a notorious arms dealer, were arrested. Arms, ammunition, vehicles, and communication devices were recovered.
Air Component missions provided close air support and armed reconnaissance, leading to the destruction of terrorist hideouts in forested areas.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements freedom of action across Nigeria.
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