*As 46 insurgents surrender with families
By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said its troops neutralized scores of terrorists, arrested eighty-five (85) suspects, facilitated the surrender of forty-six (46) insurgents and their families in the Northeast.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja, while giving update on the Military operations in the country, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja,
said the troops also rescued one hundred and four (104) kidnapped victims.
“Significant recoveries of arms, ammunition and equipment have further eroded terrorist networks, enabling the safe return of displaced persons and revitalizing local economies.
“A pivotal engagement occurred in Kukawa LGA of Borno State, where troops repelled an assault by terrorists equipped with gun trucks, motorcycles and five drones. The ensuing firefight resulted in the neutralization of multiple adversaries and the seizure of weapons and a stretcher, underscoring our offensive posture.
“Furthermore, on 23 February 2026, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up laden with vehicle spares and fabrics destined for Boko Haram, alongside a truck carrying four hundred and sixty (460) bags of fertilizers in Bade LGA of Yobe State. “Similarly, forty-two (42) illegal miners were also apprehended in Gulani LGA of Yobe State, thereby disrupting illicit activities that fund insurgency.
“To enhance community resilience and prevent terrorist resurgence, Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensive operations across areas, like Abadam, Bama, and Damboa LGAs of Borno State, as well as Damaturu and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State. The firefight near Sabsawa village in Borno State on 21 February 2026, saw troops respond with overwhelming firepower to a terrorist incursion, neutralizing several insurgents and forcing the remainder to flee in disarray.
“These offensives have maintained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements, denying them safe havens and disrupting their operational cycles. Follow-on exploitation operations across sectors have further degraded terrorist capabilities through the recovery of arms, ammunition, logistics items, and equipment.
“In expansion of this offensive, troops executed precision strikes and night ambushes along known infiltration routes, including those from the Cameroon axis, effectively strangling terrorist logistics networks and launch areas. Coordinated air-land operations in areas like Limankara, Kukawaareas of Borno State and Lamusheri in Yobe Statehave neutralized dozens of ISWAP fighters, repelled drone-assisted assaults, and destroyed key terrorist camps and supply hubs.”
