By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) said it intensified nationwide military operations in February 2026, killing scores of terrorists, arresting hundreds of suspects and rescuing large numbers of kidnapped victims across multiple theatres of operation.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Michael Onoja said the military’s operations combined “aggressive, intelligence-led” kinetic strikes with humanitarian and community-based initiatives aimed at restoring stability and rebuilding trust in conflict-affected regions.

In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).

According to the briefing, forces neutralised scores of fighters, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents and their families, and rescued 104 kidnapped victims during the month.

A major confrontation occurred in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops repelled an attack involving gun trucks, motorcycles and drones. Additional operations disrupted supply routes, including the interception of vehicles carrying materials allegedly destined for insurgents and the arrest of 42 illegal miners in Yobe State accused of funding terrorist networks.

In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the rescue of 251 hostages and the arrest of 36 suspected terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Among the highlighted operations was the rescue of 21 abducted victims in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The Zamfara State Government also donated 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers to boost operational capacity in the region.

Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger and Kwara states reported the neutralisation of several terrorists and the rescue of hostages following fierce engagements along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Magama LGA of Niger State.

Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State arrested 29 suspects and rescued 22 hostages while responding to terrorist threats and farmer-herder clashes in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs.

Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi states, troops arrested 49 suspects and rescued 32 hostages. A key arrest in Ibi LGA of Taraba State led to the recovery of arms, ammunition and over N2.4 million in cash, believed to be linked to terrorist financing.

In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified its anti-oil theft campaign, arresting 59 suspects and recovering more than 144,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil. Security forces also destroyed 32 illegal refining sites and dismantled weapons fabrication networks in Cross River State in collaboration with the Department of State Services.

Meanwhile, Operation UDO KA in the South-East targeted dissident groups including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Troops arrested 54 suspected terrorists and reported the neutralisation of several fighters during clearance operations on identified logistics hubs.

Major General Onoja said all operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian law and rules of engagement, stressing that troop discipline and respect for human rights remained paramount.

He credited local communities for providing timely intelligence and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, especially during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent, by reporting suspicious activities through designated emergency channels.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will sustain this momentum and remain resolute in creating a secure environment that enables citizens to live, work and thrive in peace,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked officers on the operational planning cadre to integrate advanced technology tools with timeless planning principles to ensure troops remain adaptable and resilient against diverse threats.

Declaring open the 2026 Operational Planning Cadre training for officers of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, in Ibadan yesterday, Shaibu said that to become combat-ready and decisive in today’s battlespace, commanders must be masters of operational planning and fluent in the language of technology.

He said that the training was designed to build upon the Nigerian Army’s foundational planning doctrines and prepare officers to meet the demands of modern warfare.

The COAS, represented by the Commandant, Nigerian Army Signals School, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mustapha, said the training would sharpen participants’ ability to leverage technology not merely as a tool, but as a central driver of practical and decisive operational plans.

The Army Chief urged participants to approach the training with utmost seriousness and an open mind, and to engage vigorously in the lectures, practical exercises, and syndicate work.

“You are here to acquire the skills that will enable you to optimise planning processes, enhance situational awareness, and foster seamless interoperability with sister services and other security agencies,” he said.

Shaibu also urged the participants to translate the knowledge gained during the training into superior plans that would ensure mission accomplishment.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said the training was a strategic investment by the Nigerian Army in officers’ professional development.

According to him, the success of military operations is rooted in foresight, careful planning, and deliberate execution by both staff and field commanders, particularly at the tactical and mid-career levels.

“As senior non-commissioned officers and mid-career officers, you are the indispensable bridge between strategic intent and tactical realities on the front lines, and the translators of vision into action,” he said.

The GOC urged officers not to underestimate the weight of their responsibilities, noting that every operational plan has a direct impact on success in the field and on the achievement of mission objectives.

He said their ability to accurately assess the battle-space and adapt with precision determines the safety of troops and the security of the nation.

“This cadre training is designed not just to refresh your knowledge of operational planning principles, but also to equip you with modern analytical skills, sound judgment, and a shared understanding of the multidimensional battlespace in which we operate today,” he said.

The GOC added that the current operational environment was no longer purely conventional, but includes kinetic and non-kinetic engagements such as counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, anti-banditry operations, peace support operations, and civil-military cooperation efforts.

“To thrive in these complex environments, you will be immersed in doctrinal reviews and scenario-based simulations. I therefore urge you to bring your frontline experiences to bear,” he said.

Nnebeife thanked the COAS for his continuous guidance and support, and for providing the resources required to conduct the training, as well as the resource persons.

The Kaduna State Police Command says it has recorded major operational successes in the last two weeks, including the dislodgement of bandit camps.

The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad disclosed this at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday.

Muhammad said that the command also arrested some suspected gunrunners and recovered several illegal arms and drugs across the state.

He said that the achievements followed intelligence-led clearance operations conducted across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas.

He disclosed that several bandits’ camps were dislodged during the operations, with some suspects neutralised during exchanges of fire while others escaped with injuries.

The commissioner added that suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended.

According to him, items recovered during the operations include three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one sub-machine gun (SMG) rifle, two English pistols, four fabricated pistols and large quantities of hard drugs.

He said the command also arrested five suspected notorious gunrunners.

”On Feb. 20 at about 9 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on intelligence, arrested one suspect of Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area.

”The suspect was found in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines and a pair of black Wellco boots.

”In connection with the crime, another suspect of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also arrested.

”Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, thereby fueling criminal activities within and beyond state,” he said.

The commissioner also said that investigation was ongoing to uncover other members of the syndicate and trace the distribution network of the recovered weapons.

Muhammad further said that on Feb. 17, operatives intercepted three suspects at Kasuwan Magani following intelligence on an illegal arms transaction.

He said two of the suspects hail from Iburu, while the third was from Kasuwan Magani.

According to him, items recovered from the suspects include one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun.

He said the achievements underscored the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing aimed at cutting the supply chain of illegal arms fueling banditry and violent crimes.

He reiterated that the command would not relent in dismantling criminal networks across the state.

”We will continue to strengthen community partnership, enhance intelligence gathering and sustain aggressive operations against all forms of criminality,” he said.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for leadership and support.

He also appreciated the Kaduna state government for logistics support and commended officers and men of the command for courage and professionalism.

Muhammad further appreciated members of the public for providing credible information to security agencies.

”Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna state remains secure for all law-abiding citizens,” he said.