By Nkechi Eze
In a coordinated, intelligence-led sweep, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, alongside other security agencies, have mounted a relentless nationwide offensive against terrorists, insurgents, bandits, oil thieves, and criminal networks, scoring a series of significant victories across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions between 19 and 23 January 2026
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed in a comprehensive operational update that troops across the various Joint Task Force theatres executed coordinated ground and air operations marked by precision strikes, aggressive clearance missions and sustained patrols, all conducted with professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law and respect for human rights.
According to him, the cumulative impact of the operations has been the disruption of several criminal networks, recovery of large caches of arms and ammunition, rescue of kidnapped victims and gradual restoration of normalcy in many previously troubled communities.
“Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Guns (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making materials. Also, caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered,” Major General Onoja stated.
He explained that the latest briefing highlights operational successes recorded by Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the two Joint Task Force operations in the North Central under Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE, as well as Joint Task Force South South Operation DELTA SAFE and Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.
In the North East theatre, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained intense pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists, denying them freedom of action across the region. Ground forces, operating in conjunction with the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups, carried out aggressive operations that led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of informants and logistics suppliers, and dismantling of multiple terrorist networks.
Between 19 and 23 January 2026, troops conducted coordinated operations in Damboa, Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza and Biu Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Michika LGA of Adamawa State and Damaturu LGA of Yobe State. During these encounters, scores of terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects were arrested, and four kidnapped victims were rescued. All recovered suspects and weapons are currently in military custody for further action.
Air operations also played a decisive role. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation, conducted air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions in Damboa and Abadam LGAs of Borno State. Targets were acquired and multiple precision strikes were executed. On the same day, another air interdiction mission was conducted at Doron Duguri in Borno State where terrorist activity was observed. Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that dozens of terrorists were neutralised, with their weapons and equipment destroyed.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained a high operational tempo, engaging terrorists in several fierce firefights that resulted in significant enemy losses and the rescue of kidnapped victims. Offensive operations were carried out in Maru, Anka, Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, Tsafe, Talata Mafara and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Zamfara State; Batsari and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State; Tangaza and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto State; as well as Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State.
Within the period under review, several terrorists were neutralised, ten suspects were apprehended and seven kidnapped victims were rescued. Troops also recovered weapons, vehicles and livestock from the criminals, all of which are now in custody for further investigation.
In the North Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State responded swiftly to multiple distress calls on terrorist and criminal activities. Between 19 and 23 January 2026, offensive operations were conducted in Bokkos, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Jama’a LGAs of Kaduna State.
During the resulting firefights, some extremists were neutralised, 39 other criminals were arrested, and four kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered, alongside the sum of 4,500 United States dollars, said to be proceeds from the sale of rustled cows. All recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded notable successes across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara States and the Federal Capital Territory. Between 19 and 23 January 2026, offensive operations were conducted in Donga, Takum, Wukari, Sardauna and Kurmi LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Guma, Otukpo, Katsina Ala, Ukum and Apa LGAs of Benue State.
Troops also responded to kidnapping-related distress calls in Yagba West, Lokoja and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Kogi State; Ifelodun and Ekiti LGAs of Kwara State; Obi and Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State; and Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT. Eleven suspected kidnappers were arrested, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and arms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items were recovered.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops thwarted significant crude oil theft activities. During the week, they discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals. Assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
Additionally, between 1 and 15 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State and Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State, arresting two suspects and recovering arms and ammunition.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted operations that led to the rescue of eight Cameroonian nationals earlier kidnapped by sea pirates at the Ikang waterways in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. Three criminals were also arrested in Ogburu LGA of Anambra State.
In a significant development, about 80 militants voluntarily surrendered themselves to troops with their arms and ammunition for amnesty at Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. The militants were reported to belong to two camps headed by Thankgod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, and John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ appreciation of the media as strategic partners in national security, stressing that accurate, balanced and responsible reporting remains critical in countering misinformation, sustaining public confidence and supporting ongoing operations.
He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their continued cooperation, timely information and trust, noting that these remain central to operational success.
“As operations continue across all theatres, the military remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens,” he said.
