By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have sustained a sweeping wave of coordinated military offensives across multiple theatres of operation, recording significant gains against terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements, in what authorities describe as a demonstration of professionalism, resilience and operational dominance.
In an official statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed that troops, working in close synergy with other security agencies and supported by actionable intelligence from patriotic citizens, have maintained pressure on criminal networks through proactive and offensive operations. These include clearance patrols, targeted raids and precision air interdictions, resulting in the neutralisation of numerous terrorists, arrest of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of arms, ammunition and other illicit materials.
He noted that despite prevailing challenges, the outcomes underscore the unwavering commitment of the AFN to safeguarding national security, protecting civilian populations and restoring stability across the country.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS террорист elements, significantly degrading their capabilities and disrupting their logistics networks. On March 13, 2026, troops in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State repelled a terrorist attack with overwhelming firepower, neutralising several fighters and recovering weapons and ammunition. Subsequent operations in Gujba and Kaga Local Government Areas led to the arrest of key logistics suppliers who had infiltrated communities under the guise of legitimate businesses, while further engagements in Bita thwarted infiltration attempts and yielded additional recoveries.
Between March 14 and 18, troops recorded further successes, including the arrest of a terrorist spy in Yunusari and an informant in Damasak. Coordinated attacks by ISWAP on military positions in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa were decisively repelled with the support of the Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation, leading to the neutralisation of several террористs, including a key commander. In a major operation at Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area, troops repelled a complex drone-assisted attack, after which follow-up exploitation revealed 74 террорист bodies, including senior commanders, alongside a large cache of arms comprising 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, an RPG tube and assorted ammunition.
In a related development, troops on patrol along the Wukari–Ikyaior Road in Taraba State intercepted two suspected gunrunners and recovered various calibres of ammunition, cash and motorcycles. The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant breakthroughs across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. On March 13, troops conducting fighting patrols in Tubali and Zangon Danmaka villages in Zamfara State made contact with террорист elements, neutralised several fighters and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles. In Katsina State, troops rescued four kidnapped victims who escaped from террорист enclaves and reunited them with their families.
Troops also foiled an attempted abduction of Reverend Nuhu Anche in Kaduna State, forcing the attackers to flee under pressure. Further operations led to the arrest of террорист collaborators across multiple states, while a major inter-agency operation by the Department of State Services intercepted a female ammunition courier in Kano with 884 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Additional arrests of suspected informants linked to the Lakurawa group further weakened criminal networks. On March 19, troops responded swiftly to reports of террорист activity in Kaduna State, forcing attackers to abandon their mission and arresting one suspect, while a separate engagement in Kebbi State saw troops repel an attack and pursue fleeing insurgents during follow-up clearance operations.
In the North Central region, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD intensified counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts across Kwara and Niger States. On March 15, troops apprehended a suspect supplying motorcycles intended for террорист operations, disrupting a key logistics chain. Follow-up operations led to the arrest of two suspected ISWAP and JAS members who had arrived to collect the items, providing actionable intelligence for ongoing operations.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded notable gains across Plateau, Bauchi, Benue and Kaduna States. Troops rescued an abducted victim in Plateau State and thwarted a kidnap attempt in Benue State, rescuing four passengers. Additional operations led to the arrest of an ammunition courier in Shendam, rescue of another abducted commuter in Riyom and arrests of suspects linked to armed robbery and террорист activities in Jos North and Barkin Ladi. In a related development, troops dismantled an illegal mining site along the Chaza–Izom axis extending into Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory, arresting eight suspects.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops sustained pressure on militia and armed groups across Benue and neighbouring areas. On March 13, troops in Guma Local Government Area responded to a militia attack, apprehended a suspect and recovered a locally fabricated rifle. In Katsina-Ala, troops engaged террорист elements in a firefight, forcing them to flee and recovering multiple weapons and motorcycles. A coordinated operation with the Office of the National Security Adviser led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Nasarawa State with a cache of ammunition.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against oil theft, kidnapping and drug trafficking. Between March 12 and 17, joint operations with the DSS, NDLEA and other agencies led to multiple arrests across Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River States. Troops recovered arms, ammunition, explosive-making materials and dismantled illegal oil bunkering sites. Anti-drug operations resulted in the arrest of 20 suspected drug peddlers in Yenagoa, while further operations neutralised a kidnapper and rescued three victims in Delta State.
Subsequent operations uncovered additional illegal refining sites, including one in Rivers State where about 1,500 litres of illegally refined products were confiscated. On March 18, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying 660 litres of illegally refined AGO in Delta State, arresting two suspects. The following day, troops intercepted a speedboat in Rivers State carrying 1,500 litres of незаконно refined AGO, although the suspects fled on sighting troops.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA recorded further successes in anti-criminality operations. On March 13, troops repelled an attack from a suspected террорист hideout in Imo State, recovering a Civil Defence uniform and ammunition, while six Improvised Explosive Devices were safely neutralised. A follow-up operation led to the neutralisation of two IED specialists and recovery of explosives and communication equipment.
Additional operations across Ebonyi and Cross River States led to the arrest of a suspected cultist, recovery of firearms and dismantling of weapon-making activities. Troops also responded to intelligence on kidnappers’ activities in Delta State, neutralising one suspect and rescuing three abducted victims.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the successes recorded across the theatres highlight the courage and dedication of troops who remain resolute in defending the nation. The AFN assured Nigerians that operations would be intensified to eliminate remaining threats, while reaffirming commitment to collaboration with security agencies, local authorities and communities.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their unwavering dedication and paid tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, assuring that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. He also extended condolences to families affected by the recent bomb blast in Borno State and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The military further reaffirmed its adherence to rules of engagement, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, while urging continued public support and cooperation as a critical factor in sustaining operational successes and restoring lasting peace nationwide.
