By Chimezie Godfrey
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says troops have recorded major operational gains across the country, including the elimination of top terrorist commanders in Sambisa Forest, the killing of more than 17 terrorists in Niger State forests, and the interception of materials used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The military also said troops dismantled illegal oil refining sites and recovered about 51,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products during operations conducted between February 28 and March 6, 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a weekly briefing on ongoing military operations.
Onoja said the sustained operations demonstrated the Armed Forces’ increasing operational dominance against terrorists, bandits and other criminal networks.
“Our troops have continued to apply sustained pressure across multiple theatres of operations, neutralising terrorist fighters and high-value ring leaders, destroying criminal infrastructure and intercepting weapons, explosives materials and stolen economic resources,” he said.
According to him, one of the most significant successes was a precision airstrike conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in Sambisa Forest, which eliminated several senior terrorist leaders.
“A Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the neutralisation of top terrorist ring leaders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, along with fighter Hussaini Ubaida,” Onoja said.
He added that intelligence sources confirmed the strike eliminated more than 18 terrorist ring leaders and 42 fighters, significantly degrading the insurgents’ leadership structure.
“This operation represents a major disruption of the terrorist command structure and demonstrates the effectiveness of joint air and ground operations in targeting high-value leadership elements,” he said.
Onoja said troops under Operation Savannah Shield also recorded a major battlefield success during a confrontation with terrorists in Roguwa Forest in Patigi Local Government Area of Niger State.
“Troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight during which over 17 terrorists were neutralised while several others fled with severe injuries,” he said.
He added that follow-up clearance operations were ongoing to eliminate remaining elements in the forest.
The Defence spokesman said troops also intercepted a suspicious vehicle carrying eight 50-kg bags of ammonium chloride, a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.
“The driver could not provide any authorisation for transporting the substance, and laboratory analysis confirmed that it is a key precursor material used in IED manufacturing,” Onoja said.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted arms and ammunition concealed in food supplies.
“Troops discovered arms, magazines and 542 rounds of ammunition carefully concealed inside a bag of rice during a stop-and-search operation,” he said.
In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
Onoja said troops destroyed four illegal refining sites, dismantled processing equipment and intercepted 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products.
“These operations directly target the economic sabotage networks responsible for large-scale crude oil theft and illegal refining,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their bravery and professionalism.
“The Chief of Defence Staff commends the extraordinary gallantry and professionalism displayed by troops who continue to confront complex security threats across the country,” Onoja said.
Military kills terrorist commanders, 17 fighters in Niger forest, intercepts explosives, stolen crude
