Odita Sunday 
AFN Neutralizes Scores, Rescues Hundreds As Nationwide Military Operations Intensify In February
By Odita Sunday
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded sweeping operational successes across the country in February 2026, neutralizing scores of terrorists and criminal elements, rescuing hundreds of kidnapped victims, arresting suspects, and dismantling arms and oil theft networks threatening national security.
Speaking at the monthly press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military sustained aggressive, intelligence-led and coordinated land, air and maritime operations throughout the month under the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.
He explained that the Armed Forces intensified multi-domain operations, leveraging advanced intelligence, inter-agency collaboration and community partnerships to dismantle threats posed by terrorists, kidnappers and economic saboteurs.
According to him, the operations combined kinetic offensives with non-kinetic measures such as humanitarian support, infrastructure assistance and dialogue with local leaders, all in strict adherence to international humanitarian standards and rules of engagement.
Major General Onoja disclosed that in the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI sustained heavy pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS factions across Borno and Yobe States.
He said troops neutralized scores of terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims within the month.
He further stated that a significant confrontation occurred in Kukawa LGA of Borno State where troops repelled a coordinated terrorist attack involving gun trucks, motorcycles and drones, neutralizing several insurgents and recovering weapons. On February 23, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up loaded with vehicle spares and fabrics allegedly destined for insurgents, as well as a truck carrying 460 bags of fertilizer in Bade LGA of Yobe State. Additionally, 42 illegal miners were arrested in Gulani LGA, disrupting activities believed to fund insurgency.
He added that coordinated air and ground assaults were also carried out in Abadam, Bama, Damboa, Damaturu and Geidam LGAs, including infiltration routes along the Cameroon axis, leading to the destruction of terrorist camps and logistics hubs.
Turning to the North-West, he said troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained operational superiority across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
He reported that several terrorists were neutralized, 36 suspects arrested and 251 hostages rescued.
He highlighted the rescue of 21 abducted victims on February 21 from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa LGA of Katsina State, just two days after their abduction.
He noted that interceptions of arms and ammunition from gunrunners significantly disrupted criminal logistics, while agro-security patrols were introduced to safeguard farmlands and herders. The donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government, he said, further strengthened the operation’s response capability.
In the North-Central region, Major General Onoja stated that under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops conducted intelligence-driven offensives in Kwara and Niger States, including a fierce engagement along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Magama LGA of Niger State on February 18, which led to the neutralization of terrorists and recovery of arms.
He added that Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State recorded the arrest of 29 criminals, rescue of 22 hostages and recovery of weapons. Swift interventions in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs, he said, helped quell farmer-herder clashes and restore calm.
Similarly, under Operation WHIRL STROKE covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi States, troops neutralized terrorists, arrested 49 suspects and rescued 32 hostages.
He revealed that a key terrorist was arrested in Ibi LGA of Taraba State on February 21, leading to the recovery of arms, ammunition and N2.44 million, while a wanted logistics supplier was apprehended in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State on February 23.
In the South-South, the Defence spokesman said Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft operations, resulting in the arrest of 59 suspects and the dismantling of 32 illegal refining sites.
He disclosed that troops recovered 144,050 litres of crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), safeguarding critical national assets.
He also revealed that in Cross River State, joint operations with the Department of State Services led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners and the recovery of locally fabricated weapons, ammunition and specialized tools.
According to him, environmental partnerships were initiated to support oil spill clean-up efforts and promote lawful livelihoods in the Niger Delta.
On the South-East, Major General Onoja said Operation UDO KA intensified actions against proscribed groups including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
He stated that troops arrested 54 suspected terrorists and criminal elements, rescued kidnapped victims and disrupted a suspected logistics hub linked to the groups. Clearance operations, he added, led to the neutralization of several fighters following armed resistance.
Summing up the February operations, he said troops across all theatres maintained relentless pressure on terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening national peace and stability.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces remained committed to consolidating hard-won gains and sustaining momentum in order to create a secure environment for Nigerians.
The military leadership expressed appreciation to citizens for credible intelligence and vigilance, urging Nigerians to remain security conscious and report suspicious activities via the emergency line 193, especially as Ramadan and Lent commence.
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