February Offensive: Nigerian Troops Kill Scores, Rescue Hundreds, Crush Oil Theft, Terror Networks Nationwide
In a month defined by relentless offensives and intelligence-led strikes, Nigeria’s Armed Forces say they have tightened the noose on terrorists, bandits and economic saboteurs across the country, delivering deadly blows to insurgent networks while rescuing hundreds of hostages.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed that troops operating under various joint task forces sustained aggressive multi-domain operations throughout February 2026, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting suspects and recovering large caches of arms and ammunition.
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops in the North-East intensified their campaign against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS factions.
The military neutralised several insurgents, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 fighters and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims.
A major confrontation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State saw troops repel terrorists equipped with gun trucks and drones, further degrading insurgent logistics.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the rescue of 251 hostages and the arrest of 36 suspects across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. Notably, 21 abducted victims were freed in Katsina State and handed safely to authorities.
Operations in the North-Central region under Operation WHIRL STROKE and Operation ENDURING PEACE led to the arrest of dozens of criminals, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of arms.
At the same time, swift military interventions quelled farmer-herder clashes in Plateau communities.
Meanwhile, in the oil-rich South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled 32 illegal refining sites, recovered over 144,000 litres of crude oil and more than 31,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and arrested 59 suspects linked to oil theft and gunrunning.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA intensified operations against IPOB/ESN elements, arresting 54 suspects and neutralising several fighters during clearance missions targeting logistics hubs.
Major General Onoja emphasised that all operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian law and rules of engagement, noting that the Armed Forces remained committed to professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.
He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, especially as Ramadan and Lent commence, urging citizens to report suspicious activities via the emergency line 193.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will sustain this momentum and remain resolute in creating a secure environment that enables citizens to live, work and thrive in peace,” he said.
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