The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have declared sweeping operational successes across all theatres of operation in January 2026, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting over 430 criminal elements, rescuing more than 230 kidnapped victims nationwide, and dismantling 53 illegal refining sites.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja made this known while briefing Journalists on the ongoing Military Operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the month of January, 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Major General Onoja said the sustained operational momentum across the country underscores the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property and critical national assets, while upholding professionalism, transparency and accountability in line with national security imperatives.
According to him, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained intense ground and air operations against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).
He noted that between January 1 and 29, 2026, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 74 suspects, rescued 40 kidnapped victims and recorded the surrender of 44 terrorists and their family members.
He noted that five top terrorist commanders and three lieutenants were eliminated during fierce engagements across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, while air interdiction missions destroyed terrorist camps and logistics hubs in the Tumbuktu Triangle and Northern Tumbun areas, further degrading the groups’ operational capacity.
In the same vein, troops
of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted coordinated operations across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, Kogi and Kwara States, as well as parts of the Federal Capital Territory. During the period, several terrorists were neutralised, 52 arrested and 100 kidnapped victims rescued. Large caches of arms, ammunition, vehicles and rustled livestock were also recovered, with air assets providing close air support to ground troops
The Director stressed that under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops operating in Plateau and parts of Kaduna State neutralised extremists, arrested over 97 criminal elements and rescued 30 kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered, while a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Ahmadu Adamu, was arrested in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Major General Onoja said Operation WHIRL STROKE troops recorded further successes across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, as well as the FCT. During the review period, several terrorists were neutralised, 58 suspects arrested and 32 kidnapped victims rescued, with additional arrests and rescues made following responses to distress calls.
Similarly, in the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft, sea piracy and militancy.
“They discovered and dismantled 53 illegal refining sites, arrested 81 oil thieves and other criminals, and recovered assorted arms and ammunition. Air reconnaissance missions also led to the interception and destruction of vessels involved in the illegal siphoning of petroleum products across the Niger Delta,” he said.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA recorded notable gains across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, with over 80 militants surrendering, 72 arrests made and 11 kidnapped victims rescued.
“Eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways, while a significant reduction in crime was reported across the region,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements.
Major General Onoja said the military would continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and work closely with local communities to ensure lasting peace and stability.
“The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats. With the continued cooperation of citizens and stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting peace and stability. The Chief of Defence Staff mantra is “See Something, Say Something” he said.
The Defence Headquarters urged all national leaders and stakeholders to mobilise eligible youths and provide the military with informations.
A minute of silence was observed for officers that lost their lives in defending their father land.