January Offensive: Nigerian Military Arrests 452 Suspects, Rescues 284 Victims, Disrupts Terror and Oil Theft Networks
As insecurity continues to test communities across Nigeria, the Armed Forces say sustained, intelligence-driven operations in January delivered significant gains, weakening terror groups, rescuing abducted civilians, and disrupting crude oil theft that drains national resources.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have announced major operational successes across all theatres in January 2026, including the arrest of 452 suspected terrorists and criminals, the rescue of 284 kidnapped victims, and the surrender of 124 terrorists and family members.
Briefing the media in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops also disrupted oil theft, recovering over 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of AGO, 660 litres of DPK, and 5,000 litres of PMS, while destroying 53 illegal refining sites.
In the North East under Operation HADIN KAI, troops neutralised scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, arrested 74 suspects, rescued 40 victims, and forced 44 terrorists and families to surrender.
Air and ground operations eliminated senior commanders in the Mandara Mountains and Timbuktu Triangle, further degrading terrorist leadership.
Across the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded arrests of 52 suspects and rescued 100 kidnapped victims across states including Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger, supported by close air support missions in Shiroro.
In the North Central, Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised extremists, arrested over 140 suspects combined, rescued dozens of victims, and captured a wanted kidnapping kingpin in Kaduna State.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified efforts against oil theft and illegal refining, arresting 81 suspects, while air reconnaissance disrupted illicit siphoning operations in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation UDO KA reported the surrender of over 80 militants, the rescue of eight Cameroonian nationals during cross-border patrols, and a noticeable reduction in crime across the region.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and national assets, urging citizens to support security efforts through timely intelligence sharing under the mantra: “See Something, Say Something.”
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