The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reported significant successes in its ongoing military operations across the country in the first quarter of 2026.
During a briefing, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the operations targeted terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal networks across seven operational theatres.
“In the Northeast, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized several ISWAP leaders, arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 kidnapped victims, and secured the surrender of 90 insurgents and their families,” Onoja said.
He highlighted the confirmed death of ISWAP senior Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major blow to the group’s leadership.
In the Northwest, Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 386 victims, arrested 114 suspects, and disrupted terrorist enclaves.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in the North Central region neutralized multiple extremists, arrested suspects, and recovered illegal explosives and arms, while Operation ENDURING PEACE addressed banditry and kidnapping, securing 61 rescued victims.
“Across the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled 101 illegal refining sites and recovered over 547,000 litres of stolen petroleum products,” Onoja said.
In the Southeast, Operation UDO KA targeted IPOB/ESN militants, arresting 91 suspects and recovering arms, ammunition, and IEDs.
The AFN said the quarter’s operations resulted in 1,359 arrests, 813 rescued civilians, 197 insurgent surrenders, 458 arms, and nearly 16,000 rounds of ammunition recovered nationwide.
“The AFN remains committed to operating within international humanitarian law and will intensify operations to dismantle remaining terrorist and criminal elements,” Onoja said, thanking the media, security agencies, and the public for cooperation.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting government support for veterans and personnel affected by operations.
