Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Arrest 49, Rescue Victims Nationwide — DHQ
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant operational gains across the country between February 13 and 19, 2026, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting 49 suspects and rescuing dozens of kidnapped victims.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a statement on Friday, said operations were conducted under various theatres, including Operation HADIN KAI, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation UDO KA.
North-East
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in Borno and Yobe states, conducting offensives in several local government areas. Scores of terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects arrested and three kidnapped victims rescued.
In a separate development, troops intercepted five suspects along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis with ₦37 million in cash allegedly meant for humanitarian distribution. The suspects and funds are in custody for investigation over possible links to terrorist financing.
Troops also arrested a logistics suspect in Adamawa State, recovering two drones and 20 solar power banks.
North-West
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops carried out coordinated raids across Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Nine terrorists were arrested, 26 kidnapped victims rescued, while arms, vehicles and rustled livestock were recovered.
The Zamfara State Government also donated 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers to boost ongoing operations.
North-Central
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops operating in Kwara and Niger states arrested five suspects and rescued seven kidnapped victims during clearance operations. Two motorcycles earlier stolen from villagers were also recovered.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, presented the flag of authority to the operation’s commander during the week.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State and parts of Kaduna, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested three suspects and rescued six kidnapped victims. In a separate joint operation in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State, five abducted civilians were freed after a gun battle with kidnappers.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops in Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa states arrested 11 suspects, including the wife of a wanted terrorist leader, rescued four kidnapped victims and recovered arms and ammunition during raids on identified hideouts.
South-South
In the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled four illegal refining sites and arrested eight suspected oil thieves and other criminals.
Troops also recovered arms and seized methamphetamine valued at over ₦5 million in Delta and Cross River states.
South-East
Operation UDO KA troops intensified cordon-and-search operations in Ebonyi and Imo states, arresting eight suspected terrorists, neutralising some IPOB/ESN members during a gun battle, and recovering weapons.
Several illegal camps were destroyed and kidnapped victims rescued.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged citizens to continue providing credible information through the emergency toll-free line 193.
