By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters has said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation nationwide between March 7 and March 12, 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims and dismantling criminal networks.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during a briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.
Onoja said the successes were recorded in coordinated operations conducted in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East regions.
According to him, troops sustained offensive patrols, clearance operations and intelligence-driven missions aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting criminal logistics networks and protecting communities.
In the North-East theatre under Operation HADIN KAI, troops maintained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, repelling attacks and targeting their supply chains.
“During the engagement, troops neutralized over 20 terrorists, including the high-value target Abu Yusu, identified as the Munzir of Dursula. Several terrorist corpses, weapons, Improvised Explosive Devices and ammunition were recovered at the scene,” Onoja said.
He added that troops also arrested terrorist logistics suppliers and tax collectors while rescuing abducted civilians and intercepting fuel supplies intended to support insurgent operations.
Within the period under review, 14 terrorists surrendered to troops, increasing the cumulative number of insurgents who have surrendered under Operation SAFE CORRIDOR since 2015 to 122,843.
In the North-West theatre, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted intelligence-led operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The operations resulted in the destruction of terrorist enclaves, interception of arms and ammunition, arrest of suspected logistics suppliers and rescue of kidnapped victims along major routes including the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.
Troops also dismantled a terrorist camp belonging to the Lakurawa group in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In the North-Central region, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD and Operation ENDURING PEACE intensified counter-kidnapping operations across Kwara, Plateau and Bauchi states.
The operations led to the neutralisation of terrorists and rescue of kidnapped victims in several communities, including Edu and Patigi local government areas of Kwara State.
Further operations in Plateau and Bauchi states also led to the interception of a commercial trailer carrying 802 bags of ammonium sulphate suspected to be used in the production of explosives.
Troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE operating in Benue and Kogi states also engaged criminal elements, neutralising suspected terrorists and recovering weapons and other items linked to criminal networks.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE raided criminal hideouts in Delta and Edo states, arresting suspects and neutralising kidnappers during security operations in forested areas.
Meanwhile, in the South-East theatre under Operation UDO KA, troops conducted route clearance operations in Imo State where several Improvised Explosive Devices planted along major roads were discovered and destroyed.
“Troops discovered eight Improvised Explosive Devices strategically planted along the route. The devices were carefully disconnected and safely destroyed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team,” Onoja said.
He added that troops also dismantled illegal refining sites in Imo State, destroying equipment used for illicit oil activities.
Onoja said the outcomes of the operations underscore the commitment of the Armed Forces to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal groups across the country.
“The successes recorded across the various theatres highlight the courage, professionalism and resilience of the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that military operations would continue to be intensified in order to dismantle remaining criminal and terrorist elements threatening national security.