The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified military operations across multiple theatres, recording major successes against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and separatist groups between 28 February and 6 March 2026.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations dealt significant blows to criminal networks while improving security conditions for civilians across the country.
Onoja said the operations led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of dozens of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, destruction of illegal oil refining sites and recovery of weapons, drones and explosives materials.
Airstrike kills top terrorist commanders in Sambisa
In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensives against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
Military authorities confirmed that over 18 terrorist ring leaders and 42 fighters were killed during precision airstrikes in Sambisa Forest on 2 March 2026. Among those eliminated were senior commanders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, as well as fighter Hussaini Ubaida.
During the week, troops also arrested 20 suspected collaborators, rescued 24 kidnapped victims and facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents with their families.
In Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, two suspected collaborators were arrested after admitting to helping terrorists sell rustled cattle and supply fuel and logistics. They later led troops to a hidden store containing medical supplies meant for insurgents.
Separately, troops in Nganzai LGA repelled a terrorist attack involving armed drones, recovering weapons, anti-tank bombs, locally fabricated mortar bombs, drones and materials used for manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Terror suspects arrested in North-West operations
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages during intelligence-driven operations.
One suspect was intercepted on a motorcycle in Gobirawa Challi village in Maru LGA of Zamfara State while carrying military-related equipment.
In Kaduna State, troops acting on intelligence raided a hospital in Galadimawa, Giwa LGA, where injured terrorists were reportedly receiving treatment. Two suspects were arrested while the attending doctor fled the facility.
During follow-up operations, the suspects attempted to escape during an ambush but were neutralised alongside other terrorist fighters. Troops also intercepted a vehicle carrying weapons concealed inside a bag of rice, recovering magazines and 542 rounds of ammunition.
Over 17 terrorists killed in Niger forest battle
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops expanded operations in Kwara and Niger States, targeting terrorist hideouts in forested border areas.
On 1 March, troops engaged terrorists in Roguwa Forest in Patigi LGA of Niger State, killing more than 17 fighters after a fierce gun battle. Several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
In another operation, security forces intercepted a vehicle transporting eight 50-kg bags of ammonium chloride, a chemical used in making explosives, along the Eruku-Egbe road in Kwara State. The driver was arrested after failing to provide documentation for the cargo.
Arms traffickers, suspected terrorists arrested in North-Central
Troops conducting operations under Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested suspected arms traffickers and recovered weapons in Kaduna and Plateau States.
A suspected gunrunner was arrested at a checkpoint in Kurmin Goro, Sanga LGA, with five locally fabricated rifles.
In a separate raid in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, another suspect linked to arms trafficking was arrested at his residence with additional weapons and ammunition.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 12 suspected terrorists in Atachi, Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. The suspects claimed affiliation with Miyetti Allah but could not provide identification.
Investigators also discovered suspicious contacts and coded aliases in their mobile phones, suggesting links to terrorist networks. Items recovered included an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and ₦645,000 in cash.
Military dismantles illegal oil refineries in Niger Delta
In the South-South, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
The military destroyed four illegal refining sites and arrested seven suspects while recovering arms and petroleum products.
Among the seizures was a wooden boat carrying about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil near Bonny in Rivers State.
Additional recoveries included 960 litres of illegally refined products along the Omoku–Ahoada road, 1,200 litres of stolen crude in Abua/Odual LGA, and 1,500 litres found in a boat along the Akwete-Obuaya-Umore River in Abia State.
In total, security forces recovered approximately 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and related products during the period.
IPOB/ESN camps raided in South-East
In the South-East, troops conducting Operation UDO KA intensified operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Troops raided suspected camps in Orsu LGA of Imo State, forcing militants to flee and uncovering a building used as an administrative office. Recovered items included foreign currency, weapons and a police uniform bearing Biafran insignia.
Elsewhere, troops arrested three suspected IPOB/ESN members in Ohafia LGA of Abia State, recovering arms and ammunition.
In Boki LGA of Cross River State, soldiers also recovered locally fabricated pistols and cartridges from the residence of a suspected criminal who fled before troops arrived.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and professionalism across all operational theatres. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers who lost their lives during operations, assuring their families of the military’s continued support.
The Defence Headquarters urged citizens to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and avoiding the spread of misinformation that could undermine ongoing operations.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining joint operations nationwide to ensure lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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