NATIONWIDE OPERATIONS: Troops Free 409 Hostages, Arrest 312 Criminals in One Month
The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant operational gains across all theatres in February 2026, rescuing 409 kidnapped victims and arresting 312 criminal suspects in a sustained nationwide offensive against terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other security threats.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on ongoing military operations.
He said troops maintained aggressive, intelligence-led and coordinated land, air and maritime operations throughout the month, neutralising scores of terrorists and dismantling multiple criminal networks.
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained offensive actions against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, neutralising several insurgents, arresting 85 suspects, facilitating the surrender of 46 terrorists and their families, and rescuing 104 kidnapped victims.
A major engagement occurred in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops repelled a coordinated terrorist attack involving gun trucks, motorcycles and drones. Soldiers overpowered the assailants, recovered weapons and destroyed logistics structures.
Troops also intercepted 460 bags of fertiliser and other supplies believed to be destined for insurgents, while 42 illegal miners were arrested in Yobe State for activities linked to insurgent financing.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects and rescued 251 hostages across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Among notable successes was the rescue of 21 abducted victims in Musawa LGA of Katsina State. Arms and ammunition recovered from gunrunners further disrupted bandit logistics networks.
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The Zamfara State Government also bolstered operational capacity with the donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers to support rapid response missions.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops arrested 49 suspects, rescued 32 hostages and apprehended a key terrorist operative in Taraba State, recovering arms and N2.44 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity.
Similarly, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded successes in Kwara and Niger States, including the neutralisation of terrorists during a fierce engagement along the Kainji–Kwimo road.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested 29 criminals, rescued 22 hostages and swiftly intervened in farmer-herder clashes to restore calm in affected communities.
In the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft operations, arresting 59 suspects, dismantling 32 illegal refining sites and recovering 144,050 litres of stolen crude oil as well as 31,601 litres of Automotive Gas Oil.
Troops also uncovered a gunrunning syndicate in Cross River State, recovering locally fabricated weapons and ammunition during intelligence-driven raids.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA arrested 54 suspected members of criminal and separatist groups and rescued kidnapped victims.
Troops cleared an identified logistics hub linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), neutralising several fighters during the operation.
Major General Onoja emphasised that all operations were conducted in strict adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.
He commended citizens for providing actionable intelligence and urged continued cooperation, especially during the ongoing Ramadan and Lent seasons, encouraging Nigerians to report suspicious activities through designated emergency channels.
“The Armed Forces will sustain the current momentum, consolidate hard-won gains and remain resolute in creating a secure environment for all Nigerians,” he said.
By PRNigeria
