Maryam Aminu/Emmanuel Daudu
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced sweeping gains in its February 2026 nationwide operations, revealing that troops neutralized scores of terrorists, rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims, intercepted arms supplies, and dismantled major criminal and oil theft networks across multiple theatres.
Addressing journalists at the monthly operational briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the military maintained relentless, intelligence-led pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and economic saboteurs throughout the month.
He said the Armed Forces combined precision strikes, air-ground coordination and real-time intelligence with humanitarian outreach, infrastructure protection and community engagement, stressing that all operations were conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and established rules of engagement.
Providing updates from the North-East, he stated that troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements across Borno and Yobe States. Within the period under review, he disclosed that troops neutralized scores of insurgents, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 fighters and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims.
He explained that a significant encounter occurred in Kukawa LGA of Borno State where troops repelled a coordinated attack involving gun trucks, motorcycles and drones, leading to the neutralization of several terrorists and recovery of weapons.
He further revealed that on February 23, troops intercepted logistics supplies, including a Toyota pick-up loaded with vehicle spares and fabrics allegedly meant for insurgents, and a truck conveying 460 bags of fertilizer in Bade LGA of Yobe State. Additionally, 42 illegal miners were arrested in Gulani LGA for activities believed to be linked to insurgent financing.
According to him, sustained air-land assaults were also conducted in Abadam, Bama, Damboa, Damaturu and Geidam LGAs, including infiltration routes along the Cameroon axis, resulting in the destruction of terrorist camps and supply corridors.
Shifting focus to the North-West, Major General Onoja reported that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded notable successes across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
He said several terrorists were neutralized, 36 suspects arrested and 251 hostages rescued.
He described the rescue of 21 abducted victims from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa LGA of Katsina State on February 21 as a major highlight, noting that the victims had been abducted only two days earlier.
He added that the interception of arms caches significantly weakened criminal logistics networks, while agro-security patrols were introduced to protect farming communities.
The recent deployment of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers donated by the Zamfara State Government, he said, further enhanced operational mobility and response time.
In the North-Central zone, he disclosed that troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD carried out intelligence-based offensives in Kwara and Niger States, including a fierce engagement along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Magama LGA of Niger State on February 18, which resulted in the neutralization of terrorists and recovery of weapons.
He further stated that Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State led to the arrest of 29 criminals, rescue of 22 hostages and recovery of arms, while swift interventions in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs helped de-escalate farmer-herder clashes and restore normalcy.
Similarly, he reported that Operation WHIRL STROKE covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi States neutralized terrorists, arrested 49 suspects and rescued 32 hostages. A key arrest in Ibi LGA of Taraba State led to the recovery of arms, ammunition and N2.44 million, while another logistics supplier was apprehended in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
In the South-South, Major General Onoja stated that Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, leading to the arrest of 59 suspects and destruction of 32 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 144,050 litres of crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil, significantly disrupting illicit economic activities.
He also disclosed that coordinated raids in Cross River State in collaboration with the Department of State Services led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners and the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, ammunition and weapon-making tools.
Environmental collaboration initiatives were also introduced to support clean-up operations and promote legitimate livelihoods in affected communities.
On the South-East operations, he stated that troops under Operation UDO KA intensified actions against proscribed groups including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
He said 54 suspected terrorists and criminal elements were arrested during the month, kidnapped victims were rescued, and a suspected logistics hub linked to the groups was disrupted following clearance operations that led to the neutralization of several fighters after armed resistance.
Summarizing the month’s operations, the Defence spokesman said the Armed Forces remained resolute in consolidating gains, restoring civil authority in troubled areas and sustaining pressure on all criminal elements threatening national stability.
He appreciated Nigerians for providing credible intelligence and urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly as Ramadan and Lent commence, encouraging the public to report suspicious activities through the emergency line 193.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces would continue to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensure a secure environment for citizens to live and conduct lawful activities without fear.
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