Military kills dozens of Terrorists, arrests 100 suspects in One Week

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian military has intensified its nationwide offensive against terrorism and violent crime, neutralising dozens of insurgents, arresting more than 100 suspects and rescuing at least 29 kidnapped victims within one week, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the outcomes of coordinated military operations conducted between January 19 and January 23, 2026.

Onoja said the operations, carried out in synergy with other security agencies, were intelligence-driven and executed with strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law and human rights standards.

He noted that the sustained offensives significantly disrupted terrorist and criminal networks, leading to the recovery of arms, ammunition and other logistics, while restoring relative calm to previously volatile communities.

In the North East, Onoja said troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS fighters across parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

According to him, seven suspects were apprehended and four kidnapped victims rescued during operations in Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza and Biu Local Government Areas of Borno, as well as Michika in Adamawa and Damaturu in Yobe.

He added that air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions in Damboa, Abadam and Doron Duguri areas of Borno resulted in multiple precision strikes.

“Battle damage assessment confirmed that dozens of terrorists were neutralised and their equipment destroyed,” he said.

In the North West, Onoja disclosed that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised several terrorists, arrested 10 suspects and rescued seven kidnapped victims in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna States, with weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock recovered.

He said troops of Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central zone neutralised extremists, arrested 39 criminals and rescued four kidnapped victims in Plateau and parts of Kaduna States, adding that arms and ammunition were seized, including 4,500 dollars linked to cattle rustling proceeds.

According to Onoja, Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims across Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other suspects in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo States. In the South East, Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates in Cross River, arrested three suspects in Anambra and received the surrender of about 80 militants with their arms,” he said.

Onoja reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens, urging the media to sustain responsible and accurate reporting in support of national security efforts.