By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes across multiple conflict zones in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the neutralization of террорист elements, mass arrests, and the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped civilians nationwide.

Speaking during a combined quarterly and monthly press briefing, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops sustained “aggressive and unrelenting” operations across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East theatres.

According to the briefing, AFN troops eliminated scores of terrorist’s fighters and leaders, arrested 1,359 suspects, and rescued 813 kidnapped victims between January and March 2026.

Additionally, 197 insurgents surrendered to troops, while security forces recovered 458 weapons and nearly 16,000 rounds of ammunition.

In the North East under Operation Hadin Kai, troops intensified offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP террорист groups, killing several high-profile commanders and disrupting coordinated attacks. A notable development was the confirmation by ISWAP of the death of senior leader Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, described as a major blow to the group’s leadership structure.

Operations in the North West under Operation Fansan Yamma also yielded results, with troops rescuing 386 kidnapped victims and dismantling terrorist’s enclaves.

Several logistics suppliers and gunrunners were apprehended, including a suspect caught with 200 rounds of ammunition in Kaduna State.

In the North Central region, troops under multiple operations, including Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace, carried out targeted offensives on terrorist’s hideouts, intercepted explosives materials, and foiled attacks on civilians.

Security forces also responded to communal clashes and dismantled illegal mining operations linked to criminal networks.

Meanwhile, Operation Whirl Stroke recorded arrests and recoveries linked to banditry and farmer-herder violence, while troops neutralized terrorist’s elements and seized weapons across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.

In the South South, Operation Delta Safe intensified its crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining, dismantling 101sites and recovering over 547,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Also rescued kidnap victims and arrested suspects involved in drug trafficking and pipeline sabotage.

In the South East, Operation Udo Ka targeted criminal networks linked to IPOB/ESN, leading to arrests, the destruction of refining sites, and the recovery of explosives and weapons. Troops also neutralized IED specialists and safely cleared multiple explosive devices during operations.

The military emphasized that these gains reflect sustained pressure on criminal and terrorist groups, significantly degrading their operational capacity.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and adherence to international humanitarian law, the AFN said operations would be intensified further to eliminate remaining threats.

The Armed Forces also commended troops for their dedication and paid tribute to fallen personnel, while urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified coordinated offensives against terrorist enclaves across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, killing at least six suspected bandits and recovering arms and communication equipment in a series of operations conducted this week.

The Nigerian Army said the renewed onslaught is part of efforts to protect vulnerable communities and dismantle criminal networks operating in the North-West.

In Sokoto State, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion VII engaged terrorists in two separate encounters at Magonho Forest on March 25, neutralising three bandits.

Zamfara recorded multiple breakthroughs on the same day, as troops laid a successful ambush along the Gada Maya–Makakari road, killing two terrorists and forcing others to flee. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 55 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a Baofeng radio, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle.

Later, troops foiled a retaliatory attack on Kaida Village, where assailants had accused locals of collaborating with security forces. One additional terrorist was neutralised, and another rifle was recovered.

In a separate intelligence-led clearance operation in Dutsi Village, Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area, troops forced fleeing terrorists to abandon weapons and ammunition under sustained pressure.

In Kebbi State, troops responding to intelligence on the presence of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group in Giron Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area, ran into an ambush about 500 metres from the village. Despite the surprise attack, the troops held their ground as reinforcements and combat support were swiftly deployed.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, in a statement on Thursday, said the operations demonstrate the military’s resolve to dominate the battlespace and degrade terrorist capabilities.

“Our troops have remained resolute and undeterred in the face of provocation. The ongoing operations are a clear indication of our commitment to neutralising terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace across the North-West,” Osoba said.

He added that intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track down fleeing fighters, particularly those involved in the Kebbi ambush.

“The morale of our troops remains high, and their actions continue to reflect courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty. We will not relent until these criminal elements are decisively dealt with,” he said.

The Army reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging communities to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered a suspected terrorist burial ground and apprehended high-profile collaborators in sustained operations across Borno and Adamawa states.

Operational reports in Abuja indicated that an air interdiction at Chikide neutralised several ISWAP/JAS fighters gathered under a shelter, while others fled following the precision strike.

The army revealed that offensive operations in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno on Sunday, led to the discovery of a burial ground containing about eight bodies.

It added that a fabricated mortar tube, and an improvised medical post were also discovered at the location.

The reports also revealed troops of 231 Tank Battalion, working with local hunters, apprehended two high-profile terrorist collaborators at Miringa Market in Biu Local Government Area of Borno

The military said the suspects were reportedly coordinating sleeper cells and stockpiling arms.

“Troops responding to an explosion in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa confirmed that a livestock-triggered improvised explosive device caused no casualties,” it said.

The military said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them freedom of action in the North-East.