By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Nigerian Military said its troops recorded significant operational gains across multiple theatres nationwide, neutralising terrorists, arresting hundreds of criminal elements and rescuing scores of kidnapped victims in January 2026.
According to a summary of military operations released by the Defence Headquarters, troops across the country neutralised several terrorists, arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals, rescued 284 kidnapped victims, and received the surrender of 124 terrorists and their family members within the period under review.
Director of Defence Media Information, Major General Michael Onojah, made this known on Friday at the Defence Headquarters Abuja while addressing journalists on military operations for January 2026
He said the military also intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recovering over 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). A total of 53 illegal refining sites were destroyed.
Under Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, he said troops sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Between January 1 and 29, troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 74 suspects and rescued 40 kidnapped victims, while 44 terrorists and their family members surrendered.
Notably, five top terrorist commanders and three lieutenants were killed during encounters, including two commanders, Basulhu and Ubaida were neutralised during a clash at the Mandara Mountains on January 22.
Air interdiction missions in the Northern Tumbus and Timbuktu Triangle further degraded terrorist networks, with intelligence-led strikes neutralising dozens of fighters, including senior ISWAP commander Qaid and his lieutenant, Munzir.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded successes across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger and other states. Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 52 suspects and rescued 100 kidnapped victims.
Arms, ammunition, vehicles and rustled livestock were recovered during operations in Anka, Birnin Magaji, Kankara, Isa, Dandume, Zaria and Shiroro areas. Close air support missions in Niger State also resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists threatening ground troops.
Troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE in North Central intensified operations across Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kwara states, as well as parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
In Plateau and Kaduna states, troops neutralised extremists, arrested over 97 criminals and rescued 30 kidnapped victims. A notorious kidnap kingpin, identified as Amadu Adamu, was arrested in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE focused on countering oil theft, sea piracy and militancy. Troops arrested 81 suspects, destroyed 53 illegal refining sites and recovered large volumes of stolen petroleum products.
Armed reconnaissance missions by the Air Component disrupted illegal bunkering activities in Bakana and Abuloma, while arrests were made in Akwa Ibom and Delta states.
Operation UDO KA in the South East recorded a reduction in crime across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. Over 80 militants surrendered to troops, while eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during cross-border patrols in the Bakassi waterways.
Troops also neutralised terrorists, arrested 22 suspects and rescued 11 kidnapped victims during the month.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives, properties and Nigeria’s territorial integrity, stressing that sustained operations, inter-agency cooperation and community support remain critical to achieving lasting peace.
The military urged citizens to continue providing timely intelligence, reiterating the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra: “See something, say something.”
