Nigerian Army troops
Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded significant operational successes across the country in January 2026, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting 452 suspected criminals and rescuing no fewer than 284 kidnapped victims, the Defence Headquarters has said.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on January 30, 2026, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed that sustained military pressure also forced 124 terrorists and their family members to surrender within the period under review.
Major General Onoja said troops operating in various theatres nationwide disrupted several oil theft syndicates, leading to the recovery of about 210,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, while 53 illegal refining sites were destroyed.
He noted that the regular engagement with the media was part of the military’s commitment to transparency and keeping Nigerians informed on ongoing operations aimed at safeguarding lives, property and national assets.
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist elements across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, resulting in the arrest of 74 suspects, the rescue of 40 kidnapped victims and the surrender of 44 terrorists alongside their relatives.
Defence Headquarters reported that five senior commanders and three lieutenants were killed during intense encounters, while further operations in the Mandara Mountains led to the elimination of two commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, with air interdiction missions in the Northern Tumbus destroying weapons and equipment used by senior ISWAP figures.
In the North-West, troops conducting Operation Fansan Yamma across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and parts of the Federal Capital Territory arrested 52 suspects, rescued 100 kidnapped victims and intercepted arms shipments meant for terrorist groups, with air support deployed during clearance operations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Operations in the North-Central zone also yielded results, as troops under Operation Enduring Peace arrested 86 criminals and rescued 24 victims in Plateau and parts of Kaduna State, including the arrest of a wanted kidnapping kingpin, Amadu Adamu, in Jama’a Local Government Area.
Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke recorded the arrest of 58 suspects and the rescue of 32 hostages across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and adjoining states, alongside the recovery of assorted arms and ammunition from criminal elements.
In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe thwarted large-scale crude oil theft with the arrest of 81 suspected oil thieves, while air surveillance over Bakana and Abuloma uncovered a barge siphoning petroleum products, which was subsequently engaged, as ground troops also made arrests in Akwa Ibom and Delta states.
Major General Onoja further revealed that in the South-East, troops under Operation Udo Ka recorded the surrender of over 80 militants, rescued eight Cameroonian nationals during patrols along the Bakassi waterways, arrested 22 suspects and freed 11 kidnap victims, noting a decline in criminal activities compared to previous months.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve to sustain the tempo of operations, the Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, echoing the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra, “See Something, Say Something,” while calling on community leaders and stakeholders to mobilise citizens toward achieving lasting peace and stability nationwide.
