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Troops Neutralise 50 Terrorists, Rescue 134 Abductees, Repatriate 700 Nigerians — DHQ
The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised at least 50 terrorists, rescued 134 kidnapped victims, and successfully repatriated about 700 Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon within one week of intensified military operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made this known in a statement on Monday while giving an update on military activities carried out between January 31 and February 8, 2026.
Onoja said the operations, which cut across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East zones, recorded significant gains in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
According to him, the highest number of neutralised terrorists was recorded in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI, where troops sustained aggressive clearance operations in Borno and Adamawa states.
“Within the period under review, our troops neutralised no fewer than 50 terrorists, rescued 134 kidnapped victims from terrorist and bandit enclaves, and successfully facilitated the safe return of about 700 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon through the Banki border in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State,” Onoja said.
He explained that the repatriation exercise was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and humanitarian partners, adding that adequate security was provided before, during and after the exercise.
“This successful repatriation underscores our commitment not only to defeating terrorists but also to restoring normal life to displaced Nigerians. The return of over 700 of our citizens is a clear indication that many previously volatile areas are becoming safe again,” he added.
Onoja further disclosed that in the North-East, troops destroyed three major terrorist detention facilities capable of holding over 300 captives, leading to the rescue of more than 70 victims.
He noted that a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, identified as Julaibib, was among those neutralised during operations in the Timbuktu Triangle.
“Troops engaged terrorists in Damboa, Gwoza, Hong and Mubi axes, eliminated several of them, dismantled key networks, and recovered weapons, ammunition, communication gadgets and vehicles,” he said.
In the North-West, he said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised several bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger and Kwara states, rescued abductees, and destroyed multiple criminal camps.
According to him, similar successes were recorded in the North-Central region, where troops under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE arrested 32 criminals and rescued 22 victims across Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa states.
In the South-South, Onoja said troops destroyed seven illegal refining sites and arrested nine oil thieves, while in the South-East, 23 suspects were arrested and six victims rescued.
He also revealed that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out precision strikes that destroyed five explosive-laden vehicles belonging to terrorists in Borno State.
Highlighting the broader impact of the operations, Onoja said the sustained pressure on criminal elements had improved security and encouraged displaced persons to return to their communities.
“These achievements — the neutralisation of 50 terrorists, the rescue of 134 innocent Nigerians, and the safe repatriation of 700 of our citizens — represent tangible progress in our quest to secure the nation,” he stated.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and sacrifice.
“The CDS has directed that we sustain this momentum. Our troops will continue to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action until lasting peace is achieved,” Onoja said.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to operational success.
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