Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria killed scores of terrorists, rescued 284 kidnapped victims and destroyed 53 illegal refining sites in January 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Onoja stated that 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals were arrested within the period, while 124 terrorists and their family members surrendered.
He said, “Within the month under review, our troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 452 suspects, rescued about 284 kidnapped victims and recorded the surrender of 124 terrorists and their families.”
He added that the military recovered large volumes of stolen petroleum products.
“We recovered 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of AGO, 660 litres of DPK and 5,000 litres of PMS, while 53 illegal refining sites were dismantled,” he said.
On the North East operations, Onoja disclosed that troops under Operation Hadin Kai eliminated senior Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders.
He noted, “Five top commanders and three lieutenants were neutralised, while 74 suspects were arrested and 40 victims rescued across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.”
In the North West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 100 victims and arrested 52 suspects.
“Our forces sustained pressure on terrorists across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger, leading to significant arrests and rescues,” Onoja stated.
He further revealed that in the North Central, 86 criminals were arrested and 24 abductees rescued, while a notorious kidnap kingpin, Amadu Adamu, was apprehended.
In the South East, he said over 80 militants surrendered, while 22 suspects were arrested and 11 victims rescued.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Onoja said: “Despite persistent challenges, our troops remain committed to protecting Nigerians and securing the country.”
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