The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation between March 20 and 26, 2026, as troops intensified efforts against terrorism, insurgency, and criminal activities nationwide.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, maintained strong operational momentum through coordinated joint operations, intelligence-led missions, and inter-agency collaboration.
North East: Sustained Pressure on Terrorists
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued aggressive offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP عناصر across Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and neighbouring states. Several suspected terrorist informants, logistics suppliers, and arms dealers were arrested during the period.
Security forces also recovered multiple AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and logistics materials, disrupting supply chains supporting terrorist activities. Arrests were recorded in Maiduguri, Damboa, Kaga, and Mubi, among other locations.
North West: Terrorist Networks Disrupted
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops conducted targeted strikes in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States.
Key achievements included the neutralisation of several terrorists destruction of hideouts, and recovery of weapons. Troops also rescued a kidnapped local government official in Kano State and intensified clearance operations, enabling displaced persons to return to their communities.
North Central: Rescue Missions and Arrests
Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE recorded notable successes in Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and surrounding states.
Troops responded swiftly to a church हमला in Kwara State, rescuing some abducted worshippers, while efforts continue to free others. Troops also intercepted explosives, dismantled illegal mining sites, and arrested multiple suspects, including foreign nationals.
In Plateau and Kogi States, kidnapped victims were rescued in several locations while suspects linked to criminal activities were apprehended.
Benue and Surrounding Areas: Criminal Elements Neutralised
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops engaged armed groups in Benue State, neutralising terrorists and arresting suspects. Weapons, motorcycles, and locally fabricated guns were recovered during patrols and raids on criminal enclaves.
South-South: Crackdown on Oil Theft
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE
intensified efforts against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
Operations in Rivers and Cross River States led to the discovery and destruction of illegal refining sites, seizure of thousands of litres of stolen crude and refined products, and arrest of suspects involved in illicit oil activities.
South East: IEDs Destroyed, Criminal Networks Targeted
Under Operation UDO KA, troops sustained offensives against criminal elements linked to IPOB/ESN.
Security forces successfully located and detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Anambra State, while illegal refining infrastructure in Imo State was destroyed, with over 23,000 litres of النفط products eliminated.
Military Reaffirms Commitment
The Defence Headquarters stated that the cumulative successes reflect improved coordination among the military, security agencies, and local communities.
General Oluyede commended troops for their dedication and reassured Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining operations until all threats to national security are neutralised. Citizens were also urged to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
The AFN emphasized that ongoing offensives are steadily degrading criminal capabilities and restoring confidence across affected regions.
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