By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified nationwide military operations against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft, and separatist activities, recording significant successes across multiple theatres between February 28 and March 6, 2026.

At a press briefing on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said sustained kinetic and non-kinetic actions by troops have dealt major blows to criminal networks while strengthening security and community confidence across the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained pressure on remnants of terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

During the period, troops neutralized several fighters, arrested 20 suspects, rescued 24 kidnapped victims and facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents along with their families.

Security forces also arrested two suspected collaborators in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State who admitted assisting terrorists by selling rustled cattle and supplying fuel and logistics. In a separate operation in Yobe State, a suspected kidnapper linked to a five-man syndicate that collected a ₦3 million ransom was apprehended.

Troops also repelled a terrorist attack in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several attackers and recovering weapons.

In Nganzai LGA, terrorists deploying armed drones were engaged in a gun battle that resulted in additional casualties and the seizure of explosives, locally made mortar bombs, and drone equipment.

In a major strike, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision attack on terrorist structures in Sambisa Forest. Battle damage assessments confirmed the elimination of several senior commanders, including Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago, and Ba Alayi Benbem, along with other fighters.

Intelligence sources indicate that more than 18 ring leaders and 42 fighters may have been killed in the March 2 airstrike.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages.

Operations included the arrest of a suspected terrorist in Zamfara State found with military-related items and the interception of a vehicle carrying weapons and 542 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag of rice.

Elsewhere in Kaduna State, troops acting on intelligence arrested two suspects seeking treatment for injuries sustained during previous clashes with soldiers.

During subsequent operations, the suspects attempted to escape but were killed along with other fighters in an ambush.

Operations in the North-Central theatre also recorded significant gains. Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops neutralized over 17 terrorists in an intense firefight in Roguwa Forest in Niger State, following intelligence provided by local communities.

Security forces also intercepted a vehicle transporting ammonium chloride—a key component used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices—along the Eruku-Egbe road in Kwara State.

In Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops arrested suspected gunrunners in Kaduna and Plateau states, recovering fabricated rifles and other weapons during raids on criminal hideouts.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 12 suspected terrorists in Lokoja, Kogi State. Although the suspects claimed affiliation with the Miyetti Allah association, investigators discovered suspicious coded contacts on their mobile phones indicating possible links to criminal networks. An AK-47 rifle, ammunition and ₦645,000 were recovered during the operation.

In the South-South region, Operation DELTA SAFE targeted crude oil theft and illegal refining activities. Troops destroyed four illegal refining sites and intercepted about 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and petroleum products in Rivers and Abia states. Seven suspects were arrested during the operations, which also led to the dismantling of refining equipment and pipelines used by oil thieves.

In the South-East, Operation UDO KA intensified operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Troops arrested five suspects and recovered weapons and foreign currency from a building believed to serve as an administrative office for the group in Imo State. Additional operations in Cross River and Abia states led to the seizure of locally fabricated pistols and other ammunition.

Overall, the military said its coordinated operations across multiple theatres resulted in the neutralization of scores of terrorists, arrest of dozens of suspects, rescue of over 50 kidnapped victims, and recovery of sophisticated weapons including armed drones. Security forces also dismantled illegal refining sites and intercepted nearly 51,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and courage in confronting complex security threats. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the welfare of personnel and their families.

The armed forces urged Nigerians to continue supporting security operations by providing credible intelligence and avoiding the spread of misinformation that could aid criminal groups.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has deployed a new battalion to Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to reinforce ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace, law and order in the state.

Shaibu disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security collaboration.

The army chief said the deployment formed part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Army to tackle insecurity in the state and the wider North-Central region.

According to him, beyond kinetic operations, the military is also adopting non-kinetic approaches, including increased engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders to enhance intelligence gathering and cooperation.

Shaibu further revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the recruitment and training of more than 28,000 additional troops within one year to boost the nation’s security architecture.

He also disclosed plans to strengthen air operations by expanding the army’s aviation assets, including the provision of helicopters to support Operation Whirl Stroke and improve response time to security threats.

The COAS commended the Benue State Government for its support to security operations, noting that the provision of drones, motorcycles and operational vehicles had improved troop mobility and effectiveness.

He also praised the governor for providing educational support to families of fallen soldiers.

Shaibu described his visit as both official and personal, noting that it marked a return to a state that played a role in his childhood education.

He said the trip included operational visits to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, the 401 Special Brigade and other military formations to assess operational readiness and address challenges faced by troops.

In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to end insecurity in the state.

He assured the army chief that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enable security agencies to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

The governor commended the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for their continued assistance in improving security in the state.

Alia said the close collaboration between his administration and security agencies had significantly reduced insecurity in Benue.

According to him, when he assumed office in 2023, about 17 of the state’s 23 local government areas were heavily affected by insecurity, but sustained efforts had reduced the number of high-risk areas to three.

He also disclosed that his administration had recently engaged with Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas to strengthen cross-border collaboration in addressing security challenges along the boundary communities.

Alia further recalled that during a previous security crisis in the state, the Federal Government responded swiftly to his request by deploying three battalions within 24 hours.

The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of 15 locally manufactured All-Terrain Combat Vehicles, codenamed ”Vanquisher”, to boost operational efficiency and troop mobility in challenging terrains.

The APCs were from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.

-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, described the event as a historic moment in the advancement of the Armed Forces and a testament to Nigeria’s growing defence manufacturing capacity.

The COAS was represented by Chief of Policy and Plan, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi.

Shu’aibu said the handover was tangible proof of expanding local capability in the production of critical military hardware.

”This aligns with our command’s philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

The COAS stated that his leadership was anchored on four pillars: professional excellence, robust administration, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation with exemplary leadership.

According to him, the newly delivered vehicles will significantly enhance troop survivability, manoeuvrability and mission effectiveness across various theatres of operation.

He noted that earlier batches of the vehicles had undergone operational testing and proved reliable, leading to the directive for the production of additional units for immediate deployment.

Shu’aibu commended DICON, Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot for their collaboration and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to patronising indigenous manufacturers.

Also speaking, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, said the handover marked a major step towards defence self-reliance.

Alaya said that the 15 APCs handed over were part of 20 locally produced ballistic-protected platforms manufactured in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Limited and the Command Engineering Depot.

He said the vehicles were designed with Nigeria’s operational environment in mind and configured for multiple missions, including troop transportation, convoy escort, reconnaissance and internal security operations.

Alaya added that local production would reduce capital flight, generate revenue and create employment opportunities for Nigerian engineers and skilled workers.

The Managing Director of Vanquish Industries Limited, Zacharia Ndiriza, said the production of the vehicles demonstrated the capacity of African industries to design and manufacture world-class defence solutions.

He said the platform was built on three core principles of protection, agility and adaptability to meet evolving operational realities.

Ndiriza expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the leadership of the Armed Forces for supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to research, innovation and responsible production in line with military standardard.

The event featured a guided tour of DICON’s production facilities and the Nigerian Army 7th Vehicle Assembly Plant.