JANUARY OPERATIONS: Troops Eliminate Top Terrorist Commanders, Arrest 452 Suspects, Rescue Hundreds
The military high command said troops arrested 452 suspected terrorists and criminal elements, rescued 284 abducted victims, and eliminated key terrorist commanders across multiple operational theatres in decisive nationwide operations in January 2026.
Briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the successes reflected sustained operational pressure, improved intelligence coordination, and the resilience of troops operating under difficult conditions.
“Within the month of January 2026, troops in various theatres neutralised several terrorists, arrested four hundred and fifty-two suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, while about two hundred and eighty-four kidnapped victims were rescued,” Onoja stated.
He added that sustained ground and air operations also compelled 124 terrorists and their family members to surrender to troops during the period under review, underscoring the growing impact of military pressure on terrorist networks.
In the North East, Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working closely with the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups, denied Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists freedom of action across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. He disclosed that five top terrorist commanders and three of their lieutenants were killed during fierce firefights, while dozens of fighters were neutralised and several informants and logistics suppliers arrested.
“Five terrorists’ top commanders and three of their lieutenants were taken out during firefights within the region,” he said, noting that the operations also enabled the safe resettlement of displaced persons and improved humanitarian access.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, he added, conducted multiple air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions, including strikes on terrorist hideouts in the Northern Tumbus and Timbuktu Triangle, where several ISWAP fighters and senior commanders were neutralised and their equipment destroyed.
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In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, Kogi, Kwara and parts of the Federal Capital Territory. During the period, 52 suspects were arrested and 100 kidnapped victims rescued, while arms, ammunition, vehicles and livestock were recovered from terrorists and bandits.
Onoja said close air support missions in Niger State, particularly in Shiroro Local Government Area, played a decisive role in neutralising terrorists during clearance operations, following distress calls from ground troops.
In the North Central, troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE recorded successes across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi and Kwara states. Scores of extremists were neutralised, over 80 suspects arrested and dozens of kidnapped victims rescued. He also confirmed the arrest of a wanted kidnap kingpin, Amadu Adamu, in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The South-South theatre recorded major gains against crude oil theft and illegal refining. According to Onoja, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered over 210,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. In addition, 53 illegal refining sites were destroyed and 81 oil thieves arrested during the month.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to security threats across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, arresting suspects, rescuing kidnapped victims and receiving the surrender of over 80 militants. Eight Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Onoja said the Armed Forces remain committed to professionalism, accountability and national security.
“Our troops remain focused, professional and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional mandate to safeguard lives, property and the territorial integrity of the nation,” he said.
He commended Nigerians and the media for their cooperation, urging citizens to continue supporting security efforts in line with the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra: “See something, say something.”
By PRNigeria
