The Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised scores of terrorists and arrested at least 253 suspects across multiple theatres of operation in February 2026, the Defence Headquarters has disclosed.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, who briefed journalists on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, said troops also rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims while dismantling criminal networks nationwide.
According to him, in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI, troops arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims. Several terrorists were neutralised during coordinated ground and air offensives targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds in Borno and Yobe states.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the arrest of 36 suspects and the rescue of 251 hostages across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, alongside the neutralisation of several terrorists.
Maj. Gen. Onoja also highlighted the growing impact of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, recently launched to reinforce security presence across parts of the North-Central, particularly Kwara and Niger states. The operation, initiated under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)General Olufemi Oluyede, is designed to deny terrorists and criminal elements safe havens in forested and border communities.
Under SAVANNAH SHIELD, intelligence-driven operations led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, rescue of hostages and recovery of arms during engagements along the Kainji–Kwimo road axis and other identified flashpoints. The operation combines rapid-response patrols with community-based intelligence gathering to secure key transit corridors and support civil authority.
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi states, arrested 49 suspects and rescued 32 hostages, while Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State arrested 29 criminals and rescued 22 hostages.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 59 suspected oil thieves and other criminals, recovered 144,050 litres of crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and destroyed 32 illegal refining sites. Troops also intercepted arms and ammunition during joint operations with the Department of State Services.
Similarly, in the South-East, Operation UDO KA arrested 54 terrorists and criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Several insurgents were also neutralised during clearance operations on identified logistics hubs.
Maj. Gen. Onoja said the operations combined kinetic strikes with intelligence-driven raids, community engagement and humanitarian initiatives aimed at stabilising affected communities and restoring civil authority.
He reaffirmed that troops remained committed to professionalism and adherence to international humanitarian standards, while urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the momentum of ongoing operations to consolidate gains and enhance national security.
