Troops Kill Terrorists, Recovers Heavy Weapons, Destroys Camps Nationwide
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide operations, neutralising terrorists, arresting dozens of suspects, rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering heavy weapons across various theatres between February 13 and 19, 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, who said troops sustained coordinated, intelligence-driven offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding communities.
According to him, troops recovered automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, Improvised Explosive Device materials, as well as large quantities of live cartridges and assorted ammunition.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province elements across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Scores of terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects arrested and three kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also intercepted five individuals conveying ₦37 million along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis, with investigations ongoing to ascertain the legitimacy of the funds. In a separate operation in Madagali, Adamawa State, a suspect was arrested with two drones and 20 solar power banks believed to be linked to terrorist logistics.
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In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the arrest of nine terrorists and the rescue of 26 kidnapped victims across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states. Troops also recovered weapons, stolen vehicles and rustled livestock. The Zamfara State Government further donated 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers to enhance operational capacity in the region.
Operations in the North-Central under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE led to the arrest of suspected terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of arms and ammunition across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa states. Among those arrested was a woman identified as the wife of a wanted terrorist ring leader, whose capture is expected to provide valuable intelligence.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed four illegal refining sites and arrested suspected oil thieves while recovering arms and narcotics, including methamphetamine valued at over ₦5 million. The operations targeted crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in Delta and Cross River states.
Similarly, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East conducted raids in Ebonyi and Imo states, arresting suspected terrorists, destroying camps and recovering assorted weapons. Some IPOB/ESN members were neutralised during encounters with security forces.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained offensive posture and urged citizens to continue providing credible information through the military’s emergency toll-free line 193.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining pressure on terrorist and criminal elements across all regions of the country.
