By Bavoriat Clara
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have sustained intense military operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists and other criminal elements between 31 January and 8 February 2026.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the AFN reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians while operating strictly within the confines of the rule of law. The military also expressed condolences to the Government and people of Kwara State over the killings in Woro and Nuku villages of Kaiama Local Government Area, assuring that perpetrators of the attack would be brought to justice through coordinated security efforts.
According to the statement, troops across various theatres recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, including automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Gun tubes, machine guns, improvised explosive device-making materials, and locally fabricated firearms. Several terrorist networks were dismantled, while kidnapped victims were rescued during intelligence-driven ground and air operations.
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, neutralising several terrorists and arresting their collaborators. Notably, over 20 terrorists, including a notorious commander identified as Julaibib, were neutralised during clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State. Troops also destroyed three major terrorist detention facilities and rescued 70 abducted victims. In addition, about 700 Nigerian refugees were safely repatriated from Cameroon through the Banki border under tight security.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised scores of terrorists, destroyed camps and rescued kidnapped victims across several states, including Kwara, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna. Following recent attacks in Kwara State, the Defence Headquarters inaugurated Operation SAVANAH SHIELD to intensify security operations and eliminate terrorist enclaves in Kwara and Niger States.
Operations in the North Central region under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE led to the neutralisation and arrest of criminals, as well as the rescue of abducted persons across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi States. Troops also established robust security presence in affected communities to restore confidence and stability.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft activities, destroyed seven illegal refining sites and arrested several suspects. Similarly, troops in the South East under Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations across Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, resulting in multiple arrests and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
The Armed Forces reiterated their resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the professionalism and bravery of the troops. He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that collective effort remains key to achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.
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