By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that Nigerian troops killed scores of terrorists, rescued 284 kidnapped victims, and arrested 452 suspects across the country in January 2026.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made this known on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military operations nationwide.
According to him, 124 terrorists and their family members also surrendered to troops during the period, while 53 illegal refineries were destroyed in the Niger Delta.
Onoja said: “Within the month of January 2026, our troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 452 suspects, rescued 284 kidnapped victims and received the surrender of 124 terrorists and their families.”
He added that the Armed Forces also recovered over 210,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 66,725 litres of diesel, 660 litres of kerosene and 5,000 litres of petrol.
“We successfully disrupted oil theft by recovering 210,300 litres of crude oil and destroying 53 illegal refining sites,” he stated.
Speaking on operations in the North East, Onoja said troops under Operation Hadin Kai eliminated top Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders and rescued dozens of victims.
“From Borno to Adamawa and Yobe, our troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 74 suspects, rescued 40 victims and forced 44 fighters and their families to surrender,” he said.
In the North West, he disclosed that troops rescued 100 abductees and arrested 52 criminals.
Onoja said: “Operation Fansan Yamma recorded the rescue of over 100 kidnapped victims and neutralisation of several terrorists across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and neighbouring states.”
He further revealed that over 80 militants surrendered in the South East, while eight Cameroonians were rescued during patrols.
The army spokesman reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national security.
“Our troops remain focused, professional and resolute in safeguarding lives, property and territorial integrity,” he declared.
Troops Kill Scores of Terrorists, Arrest 452, Rescue 284 Kidnap Victims in One Month — DHQ
