Troops Record Major Gains Nationwide as Military Intensifies Crackdown on Terrorists, Bandits

The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres in February 2026, sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and economic saboteurs nationwide.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. He said troops maintained an aggressive, intelligence-led campaign in response to evolving security threats and complex operational environments.
According to him, the military intensified multi-domain operations during the month, combining advanced intelligence, inter-agency collaboration and community partnerships to dismantle criminal networks. He explained that operations blended kinetic strikes with non-kinetic measures, including humanitarian assistance, infrastructure support and engagement with community leaders to strengthen resilience in vulnerable areas.
Onoja assured that all operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian standards and rules of engagement, with strict adherence to human rights principles. He added that personnel discipline and continuous training remain central to maintaining professional standards.
In the North-East, troops of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, sustained offensives against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad factions. Working with hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, troops carried out coordinated ground and air operations targeting insurgent strongholds.
Within the period, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, secured the surrender of 46 insurgents and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition and other equipment were recovered.
A major encounter occurred in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops repelled a coordinated attack involving gun trucks, motorcycles and drones. On February 23, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying items allegedly meant for insurgents in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, and apprehended 42 suspected illegal miners in Gulani Local Government Area, cutting off potential funding sources.
Operations in Abadam, Bama and Damboa in Borno State, as well as Damaturu and Geidam in Yobe State, further degraded insurgent capabilities. Troops also conducted precision strikes and ambushes along infiltration routes, disrupting supply chains.
In the North-West, troops under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, sustained operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. The military said several terrorists were neutralised, 36 suspects arrested and 251 hostages rescued.
On February 21, troops rescued 21 abducted victims in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The victims were handed over to state authorities. The Zamfara State Government also donated 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers to enhance operational mobility.
Under Joint Task Force North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, clearance operations continued in Kwara and Niger States. An intelligence-led operation along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Niger State resulted in the rescue of hostages and recovery of weapons.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to security threats and communal clashes, neutralising criminals, arresting 29 suspects and rescuing 22 hostages. Troops intervened in parts of Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas to quell tensions. The military also introduced youth empowerment and vocational initiatives aimed at reducing radicalisation.
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi States, recorded the arrest of 49 suspects and the rescue of 32 hostages. A key suspect was arrested in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, with arms and cash recovered.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified its anti-oil theft campaign, arresting 59 suspects, recovering over 144,000 litres of crude oil and dismantling 32 illegal refining sites. In Cross River State, joint operations with the Department of State Services led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners and recovery of locally fabricated weapons.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, Operation UDO KA stepped up operations against dissident elements, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing. Across several states in the zone, troops arrested 54 suspects, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered weapons during clearance operations.
Concluding the briefing, Major General Onoja said the February gains reflect the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security. He urged citizens to remain vigilant as Ramadan and Lent commence, and to report suspicious activities through the emergency line 193. He reaffirmed that the military would sustain its operational momentum to ensure peace and stability nationwide.