By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised dozens of terrorists, arrested at least 93 criminal suspects, rescued 36 kidnapped victims, and destroyed 20 illegal refineries nationwide within one week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military operations between January 19 and 23, 2026.
Onoja said the achievements were recorded through coordinated operations involving ground troops, air assets, and sister security agencies.
“Within this period, our troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested over 90 criminals, rescued more than 20 victims, and recovered large quantities of arms,” he said.
He revealed that recovered weapons included RPG tubes, machine guns, locally made firearms, and IED materials.
Onoja disclosed that in the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai neutralised several insurgents, arrested seven collaborators, and rescued four victims in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
”Air strikes in Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri eliminated dozens of terrorists and destroyed logistics bases.
“Battle damage assessment confirmed that dozens of fighters were eliminated and their equipment destroyed,” Onoja stated.
He noted that in the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma arrested 10 bandits, rescued seven captives, and recovered weapons and livestock.
According to him, North-Central operations led to the arrest of 39 suspects and rescue of four victims, while $4,500 linked to cattle rustling was recovered.
”Under Operation Whirl Stroke, 11 suspected kidnappers were arrested and six victims rescued across six states.
”In the Niger Delta, troops destroyed 20 illegal refineries and arrested 31 oil thieves,” he disclosed
The DDMO said Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonians and received the surrender of 80 militants.
Onoja said the mass surrender was “a major breakthrough in regional peace efforts.”
“We remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting all citizens,” he added.