The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reported significant achievements in coordinated operations to neutralise terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements across the country for the week ending 23 January 2026.
In a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military said these operations are intelligence-driven and conducted in strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law, and respect for human rights. Despite evolving security challenges, troops have remained resilient, carrying out precision strikes, clearance operations, and sustained patrols that have disrupted criminal networks, recovered arms and ammunition, rescued kidnapped victims, and restored normalcy in affected communities.
During the week, troops recovered large quantities of weapons, including automatic rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Caches of live cartridges and other ammunition were also seized.
In the North East, Operation HADIN KAI denied Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists freedom of action in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Ground and air forces, supported by hybrid forces and local security groups, neutralised several terrorists, arrested seven informants and logistics suppliers, and rescued four kidnapped victims. Air interdiction missions in Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri destroyed weapons and equipment, further weakening terrorist networks.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, apprehension of ten suspects, and the rescue of seven kidnapped victims across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna States. Weapons, vehicles, and livestock were also recovered.
In the North Central region, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE resulted in the neutralisation of extremists, arrest of 50 criminals and suspected kidnappers, rescue of ten victims, and recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and cash in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara States, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft, destroyed 20 illegal refining sites, arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals, and recovered arms and ammunition in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States. Between 1–15 January, two suspects were also arrested in Oshimili North and Yenagoa LGAs.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA successfully rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates in Cross River State, arrested three criminals in Anambra State, and facilitated the voluntary surrender of about 80 militants with their arms and ammunition for amnesty in Cross River.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated the importance of the media as strategic partners in national security, urging accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting. The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
LV