Emmanuel Daudu
In what officials describe as one of the most sweeping nationwide security offensives in recent months, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded decisive gains across all theatres of operation in January 2026 neutralising terrorists, dismantling criminal networks, rescuing kidnapped victims and crippling illegal oil operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, laid out the scale of the month-long campaign on Friday in Abuja, saying the operations underscored the military’s resolve to secure lives, property and critical national assets despite extremely challenging conditions.
Addressing journalists, Onoja said the briefing formed part of the AFN’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustained engagement with the media and the Nigerian public.
He described the media as a critical partner in national security, noting that accurate and responsible reporting continues to strengthen public confidence and collective security efforts.
According to the DDMO, troops across the country neutralised several terrorists during the period, arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, rescued 284 kidnapped victims and received the surrender of 124 terrorists and their family members.
A major highlight of the January operations was the sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
Onoja disclosed that troops recovered 210,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, while destroying 53 illegal refining sites.
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists through coordinated ground, air and hybrid operations, supported by local security groups.
Between January 1 and 29, operations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, the arrest of 74 suspects and the rescue of 40 kidnapped victims. Forty-four terrorists and their family members also surrendered, while five top commanders and three lieutenants were eliminated in fierce engagements.
Further operations in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Michika in Adamawa and Damaturu in Yobe, resulted in additional arrests, rescues and weapons recovery.
Onoja confirmed that two notorious terrorist commanders, Basulhu and Ubaida, were killed alongside several fighters during a major encounter at the Mandara Mountains on January 22.
Air operations proved decisive, with precision strikes carried out in the Northern Tumbus and the Timbuktu Triangle known strongholds of senior ISWAP commanders leading to heavy terrorist casualties and the destruction of key to equipment.
In the North West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained high operational tempo across Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Kogi, Kwara and parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
During the month, several terrorists were neutralised, 52 suspects arrested and 100 kidnapped victims rescued. Arms and ammunition were intercepted from gunrunners, while weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock were recovered in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi States.
In the North Central, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded significant successes in Plateau and parts of Kaduna States, neutralising extremists, arresting 86 criminals and rescuing 24 victims. A major breakthrough was the arrest of a wanted kidnap kingpin, Amadu Adamu, in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and the FCT, led to the arrest of 58 criminals, the rescue of 32 victims and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
South-South And South
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE delivered crippling blows to oil theft, piracy and militancy, arresting 81 oil thieves and criminals and destroying dozens of illegal refining sites.
Air reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma disrupted ongoing illegal siphoning activities.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to multiple distress calls across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
The operations led to the surrender of over 80 militants, the rescue of eight Cameroonian nationals during cross-border patrols, and a noticeable drop in crime rates across the region.
Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to national security, stressing that sustained operations, inter-agency collaboration and community support are yielding measurable results.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, echoing the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra: “See something, say something.”
“The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate and respond decisively to evolving threats until lasting peace and stability are achieved,” the DDMO said.
Africa Security Investigation News 