By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The military high command has recorded massive operational successes across the country, eliminating scores of terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, and dismantling criminal networks in a sustained nationwide offensive.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops maintained strong momentum between March 13 and 19, 2026, through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations.
According to General Onoja, the operations ranging from clearance patrols and targeted raids to precision air strikes were carried out across all theatres, leading to the arrest of suspects, recovery of arms and ammunition, and disruption of terrorist logistics networks.
In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified their offensive against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, recording major gains. In Borno State, troops repelled a terrorist attack in Banki and foiled infiltration attempts in several locations. A major breakthrough occurred in Mallam Fatori, where troops thwarted a complex drone-assisted attack, killing dozens of terrorists, including senior commanders, and recovering a large cache of weapons.
Operations in Yobe and other parts of Borno also led to the arrest of terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, further weakening insurgent networks.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out aggressive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi States. Several terrorists were neutralised during encounters, while kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families.
The military also thwarted a kidnap attempt on a cleric in Kaduna State, forcing the attackers to flee. In a related development, a joint security operation led to the interception of a female ammunition courier in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition, highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt arms supply chains.
In the North-Central region, troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE sustained pressure on criminal elements across Kwara, Plateau, Benue and Niger States. Security forces arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, rescued abducted victims, and recovered weapons during various operations.
Troops also dismantled an illegal mining site in the Federal Capital Territory and apprehended several suspects, in a move aimed at curbing economic sabotage linked to insecurity.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops responded swiftly to militia threats in Benue and Nasarawa States, engaging armed groups and recovering weapons, including locally fabricated firearms. A suspected gunrunner supplying arms to criminal networks along the Kwara-Kogi axis was also arrested.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE recorded major breakthroughs in anti-kidnapping, anti-drug and anti-oil theft operations. Troops arrested multiple suspects across Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River and Rivers States, dismantled illegal refining sites, and seized large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products.
Security forces also rescued kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during operations in Delta State, while intercepting vehicles and boats used in transporting illicit goods.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA repelled attacks on suspected terrorist hideouts in Imo State and neutralised improvised explosive device (IED) specialists. Several explosive devices and materials were recovered and safely disposed of.
Additional operations in Ebonyi and Cross River States led to the arrest of suspected cultists and recovery of weapons, while troops also rescued kidnapped victims in Delta State following coordinated engagements with criminal elements.
The Defence Headquarters said the successes recorded during the period underscore the professionalism, resilience and determination of troops in the face of evolving security challenges.
The statement said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended personnel for their courage and dedication, while paying tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive against all forms of criminality, while adhering strictly to rules of engagement and international humanitarian laws.
The statement also called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and stability.
The statement also conveyed the condolences message of the CDS to victims of a recent bomb blast in Borno State and urged citizens to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence, and vigilance as the country continues efforts to restore security nationwide.
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