By Augustine Ehikioya
Moving against crimes and criminalities in the new year, the Defence Headquarters has revealed that many terrorists were neutralised in the month of January, 2026.
Within the period, it said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) also arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
It also disclosed that 284 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 124 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops within the period.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, briefed the media at the weekend on the latest development, it was monitored by Security Watch Africa (SWA)
For the successes to be achieved in the month, he maintained that the troops exhibited professionalism, resilience, and sacrifices, as they continued to operate under challenging conditions to safeguard lives, property, and critical national assets.
He expressed the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the successful conduct of ongoing military operations across all theatres, noting that the troops remain focused, professional, and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional mandate to safeguard lives, property, and the territorial integrity of the nation.
While challenges persist, he stressed that significant progress continues to be recorded through sustained operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the support of local communities.
He said “Within the month of January, 2026, troops in various theatres neutralised several terrorists, arrested four hundred and fifty-two (452) suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, rescued about two hundred and eighty-four (284) kidnapped victims, while one hundred and twenty-four (124) terrorists as well as their family members surrendered to troops.
“Other significant successes recorded are dissuading of criminals from oil theft and recovery of quantity two hundred and ten thousand, three hundred (210,300) litres of crude oil, sixty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five (66,725) litres of Automative Gas Oil, Six Hundred and Sixty (660) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and five thousand (5,000) litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
“Troops also destroyed fifty-three (53) illegal refining sites during the month under review,” he stated.
The Director went further to analyse the successes according to the various theatres of operations in the country.
He said “In the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the period, troops sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region. Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.
“During these operations, troops neutralised several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers. They also recovered weapons and dismantled terrorists’ networks. Their efforts paved way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons.
“For instance, from 1 – 29 January, 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States with successes recorded by neutralising scores of terrorists. Also, seventy-four (74) of them were arrested, while forty (40) kidnaped victims were rescued.
“Notably, forty-four (44) terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the month under review. Interestingly, five (5) terrorists’ top commanders and three (3) of their lieutenants were taken out during firefights within the region.
During the month, he said, troops also conducted operations against terrorists in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba and Konduga LGAs of Borno State.
Similar operations, according to him, were conducted in Michika and Damaturu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa and Yobe States respectively.
“During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were
neutralised, seventeen (17) of them were arrested, while twelve (12) kidnapped victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops custody for further action.
“Relatedly, following encounter with terrorist by troops at Mandara Mountains on 22 January, 2026, successfully neutralised two (2) terrorists commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida as well as several others. Weapons and cache of ammunition were recovered from them.”
Speaking on Air Interdiction and Armed Reconnaissance Missions, he said “The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation conducted several air interdiction missions and airlift of logistics support to the troops.
“Notable among them was a coordinated air interdiction at a new terrorist’s location in the Northern Tumbus. Intelligence revealed that the location was a hibernation area for prominent ISWAP commanders and their foot soldiers.
“Targets were also observed gathering in two different locations, the selected targets were acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs.”
He said that Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised, their weapons and equipment were also destroyed.
The Director went on “In another development, troops of Operation HADIN KAI with the aid of air support engaged ISWAP terrorists and neutralised dozens of them in Timbuktu Triangle while several others fled with severe degree of injuries.”
The Defence Headquarters revealed that notable among the neutralised terrorists, was a terrorists’ senior commander identified as Qaid and his lieutenant Munzir.
The Air Component, according him, has intensified surveillance around Bulabulin and Korengelen South East of Azir in Damboa LGA of Borno State as well as the surrounding forests to detect the fleeing terrorists for possible elimination.
Moving to the North West, he said “Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained operational tempo throughout the period.”
During several fire fights, he revealed that significant number of terrorists were neutralised while kidnapped victims were rescued.
“For instance, from 1 – 29 January, 2026, troops conducted offensive operations covering Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Kogi and Kwara States as well as some parts of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. During the period, several terrorists were neutralised, fifty-two (52) were arrested, while one hundred (100) kidnapped victims were rescued.
“It is important to inform you that cache of arms and ammunition were intercepted and recovered from terrorists gunrunners at different locations across the theatre.
“During the month, troops conducted offensive operations in Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, Tsafe, Bungudu and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops conducted operations in Kankara, Dandume and Kurfi LGAs of Katsina State as well as Isa, Tangaza, Binji, Tureta and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State.”
He said that other areas covered during the week included Doka, Kachia and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Borgu and Zuru LGAs of Niger and Kebbi States respectively.
According to him, several terrorists were neutralised, sixteen (16) of them were apprehended, while thirty five (35) kidnapped victims were rescued during the operations.
The Director noted that weapons, vehicles and livestock were also recovered.
“Air Interdiction Mission and Close Air Support Mission. Following a distress call for close air support to ground troops conducting a clearance operations at Chukuba Village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA provided close air support to the troops.
“The location was scanned and was observed with terrorists activities. Targets were acquired and engaged with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized.” he stated
On Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation ENDURING PEACE, he said troops in Plateau State responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in several sectors.
“For instance, troops conducted offensive operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna States. During the firefights, scores of extremists were neutralised, eighty six (86) other criminals were arrested, while twenty four (24) kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
“During the month, troops conducted offensive operations in Kanam, Barkin Ladi, Qua’An Pan, Jos East, Bassa, Jos South, Bokkos and Wase LGAs of Plateau State. They also conducted operations in Jama’a and Zangon Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State.
“During the firefights, some extremists were neutralised, eleven (11) other criminals were arrested, while (six) 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
“Notably, troops arrested a wanted kidnapper’s kingpin identified as Amadu Adamu in Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State.
On Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation WHIRL STROKE, he said the troops comprising, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States recorded some successes in their Area of Operational Responsibility.
“Between 1 – 29 January, 2026, troops conducted several offensive operations in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Taraba States as well as Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“During the operations, several terrorists were neutralised. Fifty-eight (58) of them were arrested, while thirty-two (32) kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them.
“Similarly, During the month, troops conducted several offensive operations in Jalingo and Ardo Kola LGAs of Taraba State as well as Kabba Bunu, Yagba West and Yagba East LGAs of Kogi State as well as Oyun LGA of Kwara State.
“Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Gwer West and Logo LGAs of Benue State. Others are Doma and Lafia LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the FCT.
“During these operations, troops arrested twenty-nine (29) criminals, while nine (9) kidnapped victims were rescued. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from them.”
Speaking on the achievements of the Joint Task Force (SOUTH SOUTH) Operation DELTA SAFE, he said they responded to distress calls on sea pirate, militancy and other criminal activities across the region.
“Significantly, troops foiled theft as follows; two hundred and ten thousand, three hundred (210,300) litres of crude oil, sixty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five (66,725) litres of Automative Gas Oil, six hundred and sixty (660) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and five thousand (5,000) litres of Premium Motor Spirit during the month under review.
“Additionally, they discovered and destroyed fifty-three (53) illegal refining sites and arrested eighty-one (81) oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.”
In recent development, he disclosed that troops conducted offensive operations in Insit Ibom and Essien Udin LGAs of Akwa Ibom State as well as Okpe LGA of Delta State.
During the operations, according to him, troops arrested 5 suspects, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
On Armed Reconnaissance Missions, he added “In continuation of efforts to dissuade illegal refining activities Niger Delta Region, the Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conduct armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma.
“During the missions, it was observed that a large sized barge was siphoning petroleum products. Target were acquired and engaged accordingly.”
Moving to the achievements by Joint Task Force (SOUTH EAST) Operation UDO KA, the Defence Headquarters said the troops responded to distress calls on terrorists, sea pirate, militancy and other criminality activities across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
“It is worthy to note that, over eighty (80) militants recently surrendered to troops, while eight (8) Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrol along Bakassi waterways.
“Significantly, crime rate has drastically reduced in the region compared to past crime occurrence. During the month, troops neutralized some terrorists, arrested twenty-two (22) of them and rescued eleven (11) kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.”
He expressed appreciation to the cooperation, resilience, and patriotism of Nigerians, noting that their timely information, understanding, and support have remained critical to operational success.
“We also acknowledged the media for their responsible reporting and partnership in ensuring accurate information reaches the public.
“The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats. With the continued cooperation of citizens and stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting peace and stability.
“The Chief of Defence Staff mantra is “See Something, Say Something”.
He urged all national leaders and stakeholders to mobilise eligible youths and provide the military information.
