By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria achieved notable operational successes across several theatres of operation nationwide between March 7 and March 12, 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and dismantling criminal networks.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, made the disclosure in an official signed statement disclosing ongoing military operations across the country.
He explained that the achievements were recorded during coordinated operations conducted across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East regions as troops intensified offensive patrols, clearance missions and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting criminal activities.
According to him, troops operating in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on insurgent groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, successfully repelling attacks and targeting their supply chains.
During one of the engagements, troops neutralised more than 20 terrorists, including a high-profile insurgent identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula. Weapons, improvised explosive devices and ammunition were also recovered at the scene.
Onoja further disclosed that troops arrested several individuals involved in supplying logistics and collecting levies for the terrorists, while also rescuing abducted civilians and intercepting fuel supplies intended for insurgent operations.
He added that within the period under review, 14 terrorists surrendered to troops, raising the cumulative number of insurgents who have laid down their arms under Operation Safe Corridor since 2015 to 122,843.
In the North-West theatre, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out intelligence-driven operations across Kaduna State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State and Zamfara State.
The operations led to the destruction of terrorist hideouts, seizure of arms and ammunition, arrest of suspected logistics suppliers and the rescue of kidnapped victims along key routes including the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. Troops also dismantled a terrorist camp belonging to the Lakurawa group in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In the North-Central region, troops conducting operations under Operation Savannah Shield and Operation Enduring Peace intensified counter-kidnapping missions across Kwara State, Plateau State and Bauchi State.
These operations resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped victims in several communities, including Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
Further operations in Plateau and Bauchi states led to the interception of a commercial trailer transporting 802 bags of ammonium sulphate suspected to be intended for the production of explosives.
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue State and Kogi State also engaged criminal elements, neutralising suspected terrorists and recovering weapons and other items linked to criminal activities.
In the South-South region, troops operating under Operation Delta Safe conducted raids on criminal hideouts in Delta State and Edo State, leading to the arrest of suspects and the neutralisation of kidnappers during security operations in forested areas.
Meanwhile, in the South-East theatre, troops of Operation Udo Ka carried out route clearance operations in Imo State where eight improvised explosive devices planted along major roads were discovered and safely detonated by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
The operations also led to the dismantling of illegal oil refining sites in the state, with troops destroying equipment used for illicit refining activities.
Major General Onoja said the outcomes of the operations demonstrate the determination of the Armed Forces to maintain sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal groups across the country.
He commended the courage, professionalism and resilience of the troops, assuring Nigerians that military operations would continue to be intensified to dismantle all remaining terrorist and criminal elements threatening national security.
