The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational successes across the country between January 31 and February 8, 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering large quantities of arms and ammunition.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring peace and security nationwide.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, also expressed condolences to the Government and people of Kwara State, particularly families affected by the January 4 killings in Woro and Nuku villages of Kaiama Local Government Area. He assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice through coordinated efforts with other security agencies.
Major Arms Recoveries Nationwide
According to the statement, troops recovered large caches of weapons during the period, including automatic rifles, machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, locally fabricated firearms, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, and assorted ammunition. These recoveries followed sustained operations by Joint Task Forces across the North East, North West, North Central, South-South, and South East regions.
North East: Terrorists Suffer Heavy Losses
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force North East under Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
On January 30, troops engaged terrorists during clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing over 20 insurgents, including a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander identified as Julaibib.
Additional engagements in Gwoza Local Government Area also resulted in further terrorist casualties.
In Adamawa State, troops neutralised scores of terrorists in Hong and Mubi North Local Government Areas, arrested two kidnappers, rescued seven abducted victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, laptops, mobile phones, and a vehicle.
Troops also uncovered and destroyed three major terrorist detention facilities located in forested areas between Damboa and Gujba LGAs, capable of holding up to 300 captives. During the operation, over 30 terrorists were neutralised and 70 victims rescued.
The statement further revealed that the second batch of about 700 Nigerian refugees was successfully repatriated from Cameroon through the Banki border in Borno State on January 31, with troops providing security throughout the exercise.
Air operations under Operation HADIN KAI also recorded success, as five suspected Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) were destroyed during air interdiction missions in Kaga LGA of Borno State.
North West: Operation SAVANAH SHIELD Launched
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger States, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In Kwara State, troops, in a joint operation with the Office of the National Security Adviser, engaged terrorists at Garin Dandi in Ifelodun LGA, destroying their camps and neutralising several fighters. Ten kidnapped victims were rescued during the withdrawal phase.
Between January 31 and February 8, operations in the region led to the arrest of 19 terrorists, rescue of 13 abducted persons, and recovery of weapons, vehicles, and livestock.
Following a presidential directive, the Defence Headquarters inaugurated Operation SAVANAH SHIELD, carved out of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to intensify security operations in Kwara and Niger States after the attack on Woro village.
North Central: Peace Restored in Kwande
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE,
troops conducted operations in several local government areas of Plateau State and Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, neutralising terrorists, arresting 16 suspects, and rescuing five kidnapped victims.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Kwara States, arresting 16 extremists and rescuing 17 kidnapped victims.
In Kwande LGA of Benue State, troops responded swiftly to a recent terrorist attack, conducted aggressive clearance operations, engaged fleeing terrorists, and restored calm to the area. Security presence has since been reinforced to prevent further attacks.
South-South: Oil Theft Disrupted
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled major crude oil theft activities, destroyed seven illegal refining sites, and arrested nine oil thieves.
Additional operations in Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects and the rescue of one kidnapped victim, alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition.
South East: Terrorists Arrested, Victims Rescued
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations across Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States. During the operations, 23 terrorists were arrested, six kidnapped victims rescued, and arms and ammunition recovered.
Military Reaffirms Commitment
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
General Oluyede commended the bravery and professionalism of military personnel and appreciated Nigerians for their cooperation, timely intelligence, and continued support.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security efforts, reiterating the military’s public safety message: “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something.”
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