Troops are optimistic about March after crushing 85 notorious terrorists, arrested 46, while rescuing several kidnapped persons and forcing 46 members of criminal gangs to surrender in February, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in a publicized report on the Nigerian military’s intensified nationwide crackdown on terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality across all theatres of operations in the country.
Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja stated this at an end of month press briefing of defence correspondents, disclosing that the military’s operations combined “aggressive, intelligence-led” kinetic strikes which produced superlative results.
He said troops neutralised scores of fighters, arrested 85, forced 46 insurgents and their families to surrender while rescuing 104 kidnapped victims in February, noting that the operations were conducted on community-based initiatives aimed at restoring stability and rebuilding trust in conflict-affected regions.
Major General Micheal Onoja maintained that the operations followed established international standards, rules of engagement, and human rights in line with global best practices, adding that personnel discipline was prioritized with continuous investments in training and oversight to uphold professional standards.
In the North-East, he said, troops under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, sustained intense pressure on Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad factions while working in synergy with hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, ground forces supported by aerial reconnaissance targeted insurgent enclaves in remote and border communities.
Within the period under review, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested eighty-five suspects, facilitated the surrender of forty-six insurgents and their families, and rescued one hundred and four kidnapped victims. Significant quantities of arms, ammunition and equipment were recovered, further weakening terrorist logistics and paving the way for the safe return of displaced persons and gradual revitalisation of local economies.
A major encounter, according to him, occurred in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops repelled a coordinated terrorist attack involving gun trucks, motorcycles and five drones, just as fierce engagement led to the neutralisation of several insurgents and the recovery of weapons and equipment.#
On February 23, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up loaded with vehicle spares and fabrics intended for insurgents, alongside a truck conveying 460 bags of fertiliser in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State while in Gulani Local Government Area of the same state, 42 illegal miners were apprehended, cutting off funding streams for insurgent activities.
He further disclosed that sustained offensives across Abadam, Bama and Damboa in Borno State, as well as Damaturu and Geidam in Yobe State degraded terrorists capabilities. For example, a firefight near Sabsawa village on February 21 saw troops apply overwhelming firepower, forcing insurgents to flee in disarray, adding that precision strikes and night ambushes along infiltration corridors, including routes from the Cameroon axis, disrupted supply chains, while coordinated air-land operations in Limankara, Kukawa and Lamusheri neutralised dozens of fighters and destroyed key camps and logistics hubs.
In the North-West, said the DHQ spokesman, troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained operational dominance across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States just as troops, through a combination of ground manoeuvres, air interdiction and real-time intelligence, neutralised several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects and rescued 251 hostages.
A notable success occurred on February 21, when troops rescued 21 abducted victims from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The victims, abducted two days earlier, were safely handed over to state authorities. Arms and ammunition intercepted from gunrunners across the theatre significantly reduced ambushes and raids. Agro-security patrols introduced to safeguard farmlands and herders have mitigated conflicts often exploited by criminal groups. Additionally, the donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government strengthened operational mobility and response capability.
Under Joint Task Force North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops extended clearance operations in Kwara and Niger States, targeting criminal hideouts in forested and border areas. Intelligence-led offensives on February 18 along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, rescue of hostages and recovery of arms while rapid response strategies and collaboration with local communities curtailed ambushes and improved safety for commerce and travel.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE effectively responded to terrorism, kidnapping and communal tensions as troops neutralised several criminals, arrested 29 suspects, rescued 22 hostages and recovered weapons. Also recorded were swift interventions in Babuje and Razat villages of Barkin Ladi, as well as Jol and Dan Tanko communities in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas which quelled farmer-herder clashes.
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi States, recorded major breakthroughs against banditry and kidnappings as troops neutralised terrorists, arrested 49 suspects and rescued 32 hostages, arresting a key terrorist in Sarkin Kudu, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State on February 21 leading to the recovery of arms, ammunition and N2.44 million.
Another logistics supplier was apprehended in Lokoja, disrupting criminal financing networks.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft operations, arresting 59 criminals, recovering 144,050 litres of crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil, and dismantling 32 illegal refining sites while joint maritime and land operations destroyed processing equipment and safeguarded critical national assets.
In Cross River State, following the arrest of suspected gunrunners in Ugep and Adim on February 21, troops in collaboration with the Department of State Services conducted a raid on February 25, recovering locally fabricated pistols, specialised tools and assorted ammunition. Additional arrests yielded more weapons, including a semi-automatic fabricated pistol, rifle bayonet and rifle barrel. All suspects remain in custody for further investigation.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA intensified actions against dissident elements, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States as troops arrested 54 suspected terrorists and criminal elements, rescued kidnapped victims and neutralised several fighters during clearance operations on identified logistics hubs.
Major General Onoja concluded the briefing saying that the achievements of the military in February 2026 underscored the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces to national security and safety.
He expressed gratitude to citizens for providing credible intelligence support, urging continued vigilance particularly in the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
Calling on Nigerians to remain security conscious, report suspicious activities through the emergency line 193 and collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful observance, he reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would sustain operational momentum, consolidate gains and remain resolute in creating a secure environment where citizens can live and thrive in peace.
Relatedly, the DDMO seized the opportunity of the briefing to maintain that the military assistance being offered by the US government to Nigeria was at “no cost” and that the deal between both countries does not in any way undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Our sovereignty is intact. Our territorial integrity is intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty”, Major General Michael Onoja stated.
He reiterated, “There is no basis for concern. We go for training abroad all the time. This is simply a training programme”.
Major General Onoja said, “The American government is interested in combating terrorism and the assistance being rendered to Nigeria comes at no cost”.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander, General Dagvin Anderson was quoted recently as confirming that the US deployed an additional 200 troops to Nigeria to assist the armed forces in counterterrorism operations.
Commander Anderson speaking during a visit to President Bola Tinubu with the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, Defense Minister General Christopher Musa, and senior government officials in Abuja, said this was aimed at expanding counterterrorism cooperation between the US and Nigeria.
Clarifying the collaboration between both countries, Onoja maintained that it centered around shared priorities, particularly countering terrorist groups seen as threats to Nigeria, the US, regional stability and the world.
He said no aspect of the country’s sovereignty has been compromised, adding that US personnel in the country were primarily engaged in training programmes, similar to arrangements where Nigerian officers travel abroad for training.
“First, we must appreciate the assistance the United States government is providing to the Nigerian military to ensure that insecurity comes to an end. The ultimate goal of that assistance is to create an environment that is conducive for all Nigerians to live in peace, free from the threats of terrorism.
“As you know, the American government has a policy of pursuing terrorists anywhere in the world in order to protect its national interest and security. Therefore, its support to Nigeria should not be considered abnormal.
“On the number of personnel, I want to give you an example. Do you know the exact number of personnel in Defence Headquarters? We do not, yet our activities proceed as normal. So we should not focus on numbers. What we should focus on is the value they are adding. In the last two months, they have added value to our operations.
“The number is not the issue. Be rest assured that Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security remain intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty. If that is the fear, please convey to the public that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are intact.
“Regarding U.S. personnel offering training, they are here strictly for training purposes. There is no basis for media interaction with them. It is simply a training programme. We also travel abroad for training, and when we do, foreign journalists do not request to interact with us. Let us look at this from the right perspective. It will work out well for Nigeria. “On the issue of cost to the Federal Government, there is no cost. The American government is interested in combating terrorism and is providing this assistance at no financial cost to Nigeria.”
