By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday that, its troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 57 suspected terrorists across all theatres of operations.
These arrests include suspected terrorists, collaborators, informants, logistics suppliers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across various operational theatres over the course of one week.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, regarding ongoing military operations conducted between March 20 and March 26, 2026.
General Onoja explained that the gallant Troops under the strategic leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, sustained coordinated offensives that led to significant operational gains across the country within the period under review.
According to the statement, the troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East maintained pressure on Boko Haram/ISWAP/JAS terrorists across Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe states.
It explained that during the week, troops arrested several suspected terrorist informants, logistics suppliers, and an arms dealer in locations including Maiduguri, Damboa, Kaga, Mubi and Donga. Weapons and logistics items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines, mobile phones, charms, bicycles, cash, and motorcycle spare parts.
It added that in the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and adjoining areas, while one wanted terrorist ammunition courier was arrested in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, explaining that the troops also neutralised terrorists during ambushes and clearance operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
According to it, “In Kibiya, Kano State, troops working with DSS operatives rescued the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, from a forest hideout and arrested two suspects.
The statement added that under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in the North-Central, troops responded to the attack on ECWA Church in Ora-Ago Community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, where nine worshippers were abducted.
It stated that the three victims were rescued, while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining hostages. while Troops also arrested a suspect by conveying IED/explosive materials in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State,
It further explained that in Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops sustained anti-kidnapping and security operations across Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Edo, Kaduna, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja.
“In Otukpo LGA, troops raided a suspected terrorist enclave and arrested five suspects, recovering six locally fabricated guns, one motorcycle, three machetes, and six mobile phones. Troops also apprehended three cattle rustling suspects in Makurdi LGA.
It further explained that in the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations across Rivers, Edo and Cross River states.
According to statement, the troops arrested suspected kidnappers in Etsako East and Etsako West LGAs of Edo State, while anti-illegal refining operations led to the discovery and deactivation of multiple illegal refining sites in Ahoada West, Bonny, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Abua/Odual LGAs of Rivers State.
“Recovered products included stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, drum ovens, reservoirs, pipes, hoses, and a black Lexus GX470 SUV conveying illicit products.
It added that In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on criminal elements linked to the proscribed IPOB/ESN.
The troops successfully detonated five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during clearance operations in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, the statement read.
It added that the Troops also arrested one suspected criminal in Ikom LGA of Cross River State, while anti-bunkering operations in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State led to the destruction of a major illegal refining site and the recovery/destruction of about 23,000 litres of siphoned crude and illegally refined petroleum products.
