AFN Ramps Up Multi-Front Offensive, Neutralises Terrorists, Rescues Dozens Across Six Theatres
When security operations begin to feel routine, it is easy to miss the scale of the effort unfolding daily across Nigeria.
But the Armed Forces’ latest operational update by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, offers a stark reminder: the fight against terror and organised crime is being waged simultaneously across multiple fronts – from the North East’s insurgent enclaves to oil theft corridors in the Niger Delta.
Between 9 and 13 February 2026, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), working with security and intelligence agencies, sustained high-tempo kinetic and non-kinetic operations nationwide, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering large caches of weapons, including RPG tubes, machine guns, IED-making materials and assorted ammunition.
North East – Operation Hadin Kai:
Troops denied Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS freedom of movement across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, conducting operations in Bama, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Guzamala, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, Mobbar, Damaturu, Gombi and Maiha LGAs.
Scores of terrorists were neutralised, eight arrested and 11 kidnapped victims rescued. In Komala Village, Jere LGA, dozens of terrorists were killed in an ambush, with weapons, motorcycles and logistics items recovered.
Air interdiction missions in Chongolo Kura (Bama) and Abbagajere (Damboa) led to precision strikes that destroyed terrorist structures and neutralised targets.
North West – Operation Fansan Yamma:
Offensives in Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Maru and Tsafe (Zamfara), as well as Doguwa (Kano) and Kafur (Katsina), resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of four suspects and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.
Troops also recovered weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock.
North Central – Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke:
In Niger and Kwara States, Savannah Shield troops dislodged terrorist checkpoints and hideouts in Borgu, Mokwa, Baruten, Edu and Ifelodun LGAs.
Under Enduring Peace, troops operated in Plateau and Kaduna States, neutralising terrorists in Jos North, Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Jama’a and Kaura LGAs, arresting a wanted kidnapper, Kamaru Chawai, and five others, while rescuing four victims.
Operation Whirl Stroke recorded major gains across Benue, Taraba and Kogi States, with 11 terrorists arrested and at least 22 kidnapped victims rescued.
Troops overran Batijjo’s Camp in the Adonkolo and Kakanda forests, recovering arms, ammunition and motorcycles.
South-South – Operation Delta Safe:
Troops disrupted large-scale oil theft, destroyed nine illegal refining sites and arrested 11 suspects. Operations in Rivers and Bayelsa States led to the arrest of a wanted IPOB/ESN figure, Eze Adeire (aka Ikuku), four accomplices, and a notorious gunrunner with locally fabricated rifles.
South East – Operation Udo Ka:
Cordon-and-search operations across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States led to the arrest of eight terrorists in forested communities of Afikpo North and South LGAs of Ebonyi State, with arms and ammunition recovered.
The Defence Headquarters said the operations underscore the Armed Forces’ resolve to deny criminal groups freedom of action nationwide, stressing professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and sacrifice, assuring Nigerians of sustained operations and deeper inter-agency collaboration to meet evolving threats.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n�
