AFN Ends Terror Networks, Rescues Dozens Across Nigeria In One Week
When security operations work in sync with local intelligence, criminal networks lose their hiding places, and communities begin to breathe again.
That was the picture painted this week as the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) rolled out the outcomes of coordinated operations across multiple theatres.
Between 13 and 19 February 2026, troops recorded significant gains against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandit groups, and other criminal networks in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions.
Scores of terrorists were neutralised, dozens arrested, and kidnapped victims rescued in a series of intelligence-led offensives.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai tightened the noose around terror enclaves in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, rescuing abducted victims and intercepting suspected logistics, including drones and solar power banks believed to be linked to terrorist supply chains.
Troops also recovered large caches of weapons and ammunition.
Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West recorded the rescue of 26 kidnapped victims and the arrest of nine terrorists across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi and Kano States.
The operation also benefited from the donation of 25 armoured personnel carriers by the Zamfara State Government, a boost expected to strengthen mobility and protection in hostile terrains.
In the North-Central, Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke disrupted terror hideouts in Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa States.
Several suspects were arrested, kidnapped victims freed, and arms seized, while coordinated responses with local vigilantes and hunters forced attackers to abandon stolen items and retreat into forests.
Further south, Operation Delta Safe dismantled illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta, arrested oil thieves and recovered drugs worth millions of naira, underlining the link between crude oil theft and organised crime.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka sustained pressure on violent groups, arresting suspects, destroying camps and recovering weapons in Ebonyi and Imo States.
The Defence Headquarters said the multi-theatre successes reflect stronger intelligence-sharing, inter-agency collaboration and growing community cooperation.
Citizens were urged to continue providing credible information to security agencies as troops maintain pressure on criminal networks nationwide.
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