Troops Intensify Nationwide Offensive As Military Records Major Gains Against Terrorists, Bandits and Oil Thieves
As insecurity mutates across Nigeria’s conflict zones, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are responding with coordinated, technology-driven and intelligence-led operations that are steadily shrinking the operational space of violent groups.
In a press briefing covering 1-19 January 2026, the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, revealed that troops, working alongside air assets and local security partners, recorded significant victories across all theatres of operation.
In the North East under Operation Hadin Kai, soldiers neutralised scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, arrested 34 suspects and rescued 17 kidnapped victims in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
The military also foiled coordinated attacks in Madagali and Azir, dismantled IEDs, and conducted precision air strikes that eliminated a notorious commander, Munzir (aka Baa Yanziye).
In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma cleared bandit strongholds across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kano states, rescuing 52 abductees and recovering weapons, vehicles and livestock.
Troops also safely defused a crashed explosive drone in Kontagora.
In the North Central, Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke disrupted kidnapping networks in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kaduna, Kogi and Kwara states, rescuing 35 victims in total and recovering a major arms cache linked to the gang of extremist John Gata.
Down south, Operation Delta Safe intercepted over ₦53.7 million worth of stolen crude and AGO, destroyed 20 illegal refineries and arrested 41 suspects in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation Udo Ka dismantled cult and separatist hideouts in Enugu, Imo and Anambra states, with targeted air support backing ground troops.
Defence Headquarters says the gains signal a determined push to restore stability, protect citizens and secure Nigeria’s economic lifelines.
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