By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive demonstration of Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and organized criminality, the Armed Forces have intensified nationwide operations to secure communities, protect critical infrastructure, and restore public confidence. Under the strategic leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, troops have leveraged coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven missions, and inter-agency collaboration to disrupt criminal networks and degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist groups across all regions of the country. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed that these sustained operations have yielded significant results, reflecting both the effectiveness of military strategies and the growing synergy with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
In the North-East, troops continued aggressive operations against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, and Gombe States. On 20 March 2026, a suspected terrorist spy was arrested at an excavation site in K10 guard post, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), with a mobile phone, power bank, wristwatch, bracelet, and cash recovered. The same day, a suspected arms dealer was apprehended in Donga LGA of Taraba State following intelligence on an ongoing weapons transaction. On 21 March, troops at FOB Wukari recovered an AK-47 rifle and a magazine during a cordon-and-search operation in Wukari LGA. The following day, an AK-47 rifle and an empty magazine were recovered along Maiduguri–Gubio Road after a suspected logistics supplier fled. On 23 March, two suspected terrorist informants were arrested at Kaffa Bridge in Damboa LGA, Borno State, with bicycles, charms, and cash recovered, while another logistics supplier was apprehended in Benisheikh, Kaga LGA. A suspected terrorist informant linked to a previous attack in Ngoshe was also arrested in Mubi LGA, Adamawa State. On 25 March, a suspected terrorist logistics supplier was apprehended at Kadau Village, Kaga LGA, Borno State, and items including motorcycle spare parts, brake liners, carburetors, spark plugs, a crankshaft, cable wires, clutch handles, oil seals, and springs were recovered. On 26 March, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and an empty magazine in MMC, Borno State, after a suspect fled, and in conjunction with CJTF, arrested another suspected terrorist informant at Shauri, Kaga LGA.
In the North-West, troops continued precision strikes against terrorists operating in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, systematically dismantling logistics networks while safeguarding communities. On 20 March, air-supported troops engaged terrorists at Maberaya Village, Isa LGA of Sokoto State, destroying a terrorist support structure. On 21 March, a wanted terrorist ammunition courier was arrested at Ahokon Village, Koton Karfe LGA, Kogi State, after being shot in the thigh while attempting to flee. On 23 March, troops at FOB Masalachi neutralized a terrorist and recovered two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and a motorcycle during an ambush in Magonho Forest, Tangaza LGA. The same day, troops responding to a terrorist attack on Kadida Village neutralized another terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle. On 25 March, in Kibiya, Kano State, troops in conjunction with DSS operatives rescued the Secretary of Kibiya LGA, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, arresting two suspects and recovering an AK-47 rifle. In Anka LGA, Zamfara State, troops sprung an ambush along Gada Maya–Makakari Road, neutralizing two terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, mobile phones, communication equipment, and a motorcycle. Clearance operations in Dutsi Village, Zurmi LGA forced terrorists to flee in disarray, with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition recovered. Security operations across Kebbi State have created a safe environment for displaced communities to return home.
In the North-Central region, counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations were sustained across Kwara and Niger States. On 22 March, terrorists attacked Ora-Ago Community in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, storming an ECWA Church and abducting nine worshippers; troops, alongside local vigilantes and Forest Guard operatives, rescued three victims while continuing efforts to secure the remaining hostages. The same day, a suspect conveying explosives and IED materials along Wawa-Dabar Woko Road, Borgu LGA, Niger State, was arrested, while a bridge along Wawa-Luma Road was destroyed by terrorists to disrupt troop resupply routes. On 23 March, six suspected terrorists were arrested at Oke Onigbin, Isin LGA, Kwara State, with a locally-made pistol, ammunition, cutlasses, and charms recovered. On 25 March, troops discovered and detonated an IED along Wawa–Babanna Road before continuing operations at Luma Village, where seven illegal miners, including four foreign nationals, were arrested and taken to Wawa Cantonment for investigation.
Operations under ENDURING PEACE across Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory maintained a strong operational presence. On 20 March, nine suspects were arrested in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, for possession of illicit drugs. Troops responded to a reported kidnap incident in Zabir Village, Jos East LGA on 21 March, rescuing the victim. On 23 March, a kidnapped victim was rescued at Mangar Community, Bokkos LGA. On 24 March, troops intercepted and rescued victims in Kabba LGA, Kogi State, and along Rafin Sanyi-Hawan Kibo highway, Plateau State, neutralizing one terrorist and recovering two AK-47 magazines. On 26 March, troops at Gyambwas rescued a kidnapped victim in Vokti Village, Mangu LGA, Plateau State, while three suspected terrorists were arrested at Agasha, Guma LGA, Benue State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, 10 sachets of alcohol, and charms. In Okpella Forest, Etsako East LGA, Edo State, one suspected terrorist was also arrested.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops conducted security operations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States to address farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping, and cattle rustling. On 23 March, troops at FOB Bilawa-Jor conducted a fighting patrol in Gwer West LGA, neutralizing one terrorist and arresting four suspects. At FOB Otukpo, five suspects were apprehended at a suspected terrorist enclave in Amla Icho, Otukpo LGA, and six locally fabricated guns, one motorcycle, three machetes, and six mobile phones recovered. In Zongo-Akiki, three cattle rustling suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified security operations to combat criminality, protect infrastructure, and deny freedom of action to criminal elements. On 22 March, a suspected kidnapper was arrested in Etsako East LGA, Edo State. On 23 March, illegal refining sites in Abessa Forest, Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State, were discovered and dismantled, with a drum oven, receiver, reservoir containing approximately 1,800 litres of stolen crude, 500 metres of pipes, and 150 metres of hose recovered. A tricycle carrying approximately 600 litres of illegally refined petroleum was intercepted at Ndoni Junction, ONELGA, Rivers State. Sustained operations from 24–26 March resulted in arrests, destruction of illegal refineries, and recovery of over 23,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA continued to pressure criminal elements associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). On 22 March, clearance operations in Orsumoghu and the Badanya axis, Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, led to the safe detonation of five improvised explosive devices while troops cleared the area and advanced along Badanya Road. On 23 March, a suspected criminal was arrested at Ekukulena Community, Ikom LGA, Cross River State, and an illegal oil refining site in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State, was destroyed, with over 23,000 litres of illegally refined AGO/DPK seized.
These cumulative successes reflect the effectiveness of Nigeria’s military strategies and the growing synergy among the Armed Forces, security agencies, and local stakeholders in addressing the country’s complex security challenges. Sustained pressure on criminal elements continues to degrade their operational capabilities and restore public confidence. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed profound appreciation to all personnel for their dedication and sacrifice, commending the support of other security agencies, the media, and the public. He reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in sustaining ongoing operations until all threats to peace and national security are decisively neutralized, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
