By Bavoriat Clara
The Defence Headquarters has responded to public concerns and allegations of misconduct involving some military personnel, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains a disciplined, transparent, and professional institution committed to accountability and respect for human rights.
Speaking during a press briefing on ongoing military operations across the country, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said allegations circulating on social media, including claims of extortion and abuse at military checkpoints, would be thoroughly investigated once credible details are provided.
He stressed that the Armed Forces does not condone unprofessional conduct and would not hesitate to sanction any personnel found culpable.
Major General Onoja explained that the briefing, which covered military operations for the month of January 2026, was part of the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with the media. He noted that the briefing also highlighted the sacrifices, resilience, and professionalism of Nigerian troops operating under difficult conditions to safeguard lives, property, and critical national assets.
According to him, within the period under review, troops across various theatres neutralised several terrorists, arrested four hundred and fifty-two (452) suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements, rescued two hundred and eighty-four (284) kidnapped victims, while one hundred and twenty-four (124) terrorists and their family members surrendered to the military. He added that troops also recorded significant successes in curbing oil theft, recovering over two hundred and ten thousand litres of crude oil and other refined petroleum products, and destroying fifty-three illegal refining sites.
In the North-East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained operational momentum against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Ground and air operations led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, the arrest of seventy-four suspects, the rescue of forty kidnapped victims, and the surrender of forty-four terrorists and their family members.
Five top terrorist commanders and three of their lieutenants were also eliminated during fierce engagements, while arms and ammunition were recovered. Air interdiction missions further destroyed terrorist hideouts in the Northern Tumbus and Timbuktu Triangle.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive pressure against terrorists and bandits across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Kogi, Kwara States, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory. During the month, several terrorists were neutralised, fifty-two arrested, and one hundred kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles, and rustled livestock, while air assets provided close air support during clearance operations in Niger State.
Operations in the North-Central under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE recorded notable successes in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Niger States, and the FCT. Troops neutralised extremists, arrested over one hundred suspects, rescued dozens of kidnapped victims, and recovered assorted arms and ammunition. A notorious kidnap kingpin, Amadu Adamu, was also arrested in Kaduna State during the period.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified efforts against oil theft, sea piracy, militancy, and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta. Within the month, troops recovered large volumes of stolen crude oil and refined products, destroyed fifty-three illegal refining sites, arrested eighty-one suspects, and recovered arms and ammunition. Armed reconnaissance missions by the Air Component also disrupted illegal refining activities in coastal areas.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to security threats across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. The military recorded a significant reduction in crime, with over eighty militants surrendering to troops. Twenty-two suspects were arrested, eleven kidnapped victims rescued, and eight Cameroonian nationals rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways.
Major General Onoja reiterated the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to sustaining operations across all theatres while upholding professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
He appreciated the cooperation and support of Nigerians, host communities, and the media, urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information in line with the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra: “See Something, Say Something.”
He expressed confidence that with continued public support, inter-agency collaboration, and sustained military pressure, lasting peace and stability would be achieved across the country.
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