By Helen Udo, Abuja -NIGERIA
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to national security through sustained, intelligence driven operations conducted nationwide from 13–19 February 2026.
Across multiple theatres, troops intensified coordinated offensives aimed at neutralising terrorists, dismantling criminal networks, and safeguarding communities while upholding the rule of law and human rights.
These was contained in a statement issued Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja on friday in Abuja noted said that
the North-East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Several terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects arrested, and kidnapped victims rescued.
Troops also intercepted suspected terrorist financiers with ₦37 million in cash and arrested a logistics supplier in Adamawa State with drones and solar power banks.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant breakthroughs across Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Sokoto States. Troops arrested nine terrorists, rescued 26 kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons, vehicles, and rustled livestock. The donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government further strengthened operational capacity in the theatre.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Kwara and Niger States sustained proactive dominance through rapid-response and intelligence-led missions. Troops rescued seven kidnapped victims, arrested five suspects, and recovered arms and motorcycles. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, officially presented the Flag of Authority to the Theatre Commander to reinforce operational effectiveness.
In Plateau and Kaduna States, Operation ENDURING PEACE responded swiftly to multiple distress calls, neutralising terrorists, arresting suspects, and rescuing kidnapped civilians. Coordinated actions with vigilantes and forest security personnel demonstrated strengthened inter-agency collaboration in tackling persistent attacks on farming communities and travellers.
Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded commendable successes across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and Nasarawa States. Troops neutralised terrorists, arrested 11 suspects including the wife of a notorious ring leader, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered arms and logistics items, significantly disrupting terrorist supply chains and mobility.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the fight against crude oil theft, dismantling illegal refining sites and arresting oil theft suspects. Additionally, anti-crime operations led to arrests in Delta and Cross River States, with the recovery of methamphetamine valued at over ₦5 million, highlighting the link between oil theft and organized crime.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA sustained aggressive offensives in Ebonyi and Imo States, arresting suspected terrorists, dismantling camps, and recovering weapons.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to national security, while the Chief of Defence Staff commended troops and encouraged citizens to utilise the toll-free emergency line 193 to support ongoing efforts against insecurity.
