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Onoja explained that Troops have remained committed to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action in the country. That the successes of ongoing operations is a testament to the determination and resilience of our troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure the nation.That the Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in all operations and assures Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He now elaborated updates on operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria from the period of 1 – 15 January 2026 showed that Troops in conjunction with relevant security agencies actively engaged in series of operations designed to enhance national security, promote stability, and national interests both at home and abroad. That troops focuses on the safety of all citizens while maintaining its duty to inform the public about the efforts and the principles guiding its actions.
General Onoja explained that the Armed Forces of Nigeris is committed to providing the public with timely and accurate information about our activities across all theatres. They are collaborating with other security stakeholders for both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in order to combat specific threats, securing the citizens and provide secure environment for economic activities to thrive.
“Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Guns (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making materials. Also, caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.”
He then highlighted the operational successes of JTF NE OPHK, JTF NW OPFY and the 2 JTF operations in the NC; OPEP and OPWS. It also highlighted the successes recorded by JTF SS OPDS and JTF SE OPUK.
In the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the period, troops sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region. Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.
During these operations, troops neutralised several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers. They also recovered weapons and dismantled terrorists’ networks. Their efforts paved way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons. For instance, from 1 – 15 January 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Damboa LGAs of Borno State. Other areas covered are Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa and Guzamala in the same state.
Similar operations were conducted in Hong and Madagali LGAs of Adamawa State as well as Damaturu and Gujba LGA of Yobe State. During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralized. Also, 34 of them were arrested, while 17 kidnapped victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops custody for further action.
Relatedly, a suicide bomber identified as Ibrahim Muhammed identified one Shariff Umar (aka Yusuf) as a ringleader of a terrorist’ cell who masterminded the suicide bombing attack on Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025. Some of his accomplices also identified are his wife, stepdaughter (Amina) and Yagana Modu. Significant quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered, while a terrorists leader identified as Yakubu Adamu surrendered to troops with his arms and ammunition at Azir Wajiroko general area.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Borno States in the early hours of 16 January 2026, demonstrating resilience and superior combat capability. In Adamawa State, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari, Madagali LGA, but were swiftly repelled by alert troops with reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force, without any casualties to own troops or equipment. The area was later cleared of IEDs and booby traps.
In a related incident in Borno State, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base Azir. Troops, supported by the Air Component and other aerial platforms, engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight and forced them to withdraw. Although some facilities were damaged by RPG fire, troops retained control.
Follow-up air strikes tracked and neutralised fleeing terrorists, resulting in heavy casualties. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered, underscoring OPHK’s commitment to securing the North East and denying terrorists freedom of action.
Between 1 – 3 January 2026, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted multiple air interdiction missions at Abirma, Chiralia, Guva in Timbuktu Triangle as well as Garin Mallam Iddirisa, Garin Abu Ayuba in Nduva general area of Damboa LGA of Borno State.
Battle Damage Assessment revealed that a well known terrorists leader, Munzir (otherwise known as Baa Yanziye) was neutralized alongside many others during the strikes.
Similarly, between 8 – 13 January 2026, multiple air interdiction missions were conducted at Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle, while the component provided close air support to ground troops within Damasak, Megumeri, Gubio, Kereto, Binduldul, Matari, Gashagar and Gudumbali general areas of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that some selected targets were acquired and engaged with bombs and rockets accordingly.
Troops of OPFY sustained operational tempo throughout the period. During several fire fights, significant number of terrorists were neutralised while kidnapped victims were rescued. For instance, from 1 – 15 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Anka, Bakura, Bungudu Kaura Namoda Maru, Maradun, Talata Mafara, Zurmi and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State.
Troops conducted operations in Kankara, Danmusa, Malumfashi and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State as well as Arewa and Shanga LGAs of Kebbi State. Other areas covered during the week include Binji, Gudu, Isa, Rabah, Sabon Birni, Tambuwal and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Borgu, Kontagora, Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs of Niger and Kano States respectively. During these operations, several terrorists were neutralised, 9 of them were apprehended, while 52 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Weapons, vehicles, livestock and other household items were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
Relatedly, on 2 January 2026, following Human intelligence reports about the crash of an armed Unmanned Aeriel Vehicle (UAV) on a farmland in Kontagora LGA of Niger State, troops arrived the scene and successfully diffused the manned explosive before evacuation.
Between 9 – 12 January 2026, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted armed reconnaissance and air interdiction missions, at Dutsen Magaji, Machata and Kana Birniwa in Jigawa State as well as Maru LGA of Zamfara State.
Accordingly, targets were acquired and attacked with rockets. Subsequently, Battle Damage Assessment revealed that scores of terrorists were bombarded, while their enclaves and logistics were destroyed.
They also conducted operations in Chikun, Jamaá and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. During the firefights, some extremists were neutralized, 25 other criminals were arrested, while 14 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States recorded some successes in their Area of Operational Responsibility.
Between 1 – 15 January 2026, troops conducted several offensive operations in Kurmi, Takum, Karim Lamido and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Makurdi and Agatu LGAs of Benue State.
Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Lokoja, Yagba West, Kabba Bunu, Ijumu and Okene LGAs of Kogi State as well as Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State.
During the operations, troops arrested 8 suspected kidnappers, while 21 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered from them.
Significantly, a notorious extremists John Gata’s wife was arrested in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Following interrogation, the suspect led troops to the armoury of the terrorists at Amadu Village where quantity 13 AK 47 rifles, 38 AK-47 rifles magazines, over 690 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and quantity Four 36 hand grenades were recovered.
Six other criminals were also arrested for various offences. The recovered weapons are in troops custody while the suspect is currently undergoing investigation.
In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers States, troops foiled oil theft worth over N53,752,100.00 only during the week.
The breakdown indicated 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of AGO. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
Relatedly, between 1 – 15 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Ethiope, Burutu, Oshimili North Patani and Warri South LGAs of Delta State as well as Ekwere, Emohua, Oyigbo and Ikot Abasi LGAs of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States respectively.
During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations to terrorists’ enclaves at Ajali Forest in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State and a cultists hibernating area at Eziama village in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.
During the operations, troops arrested one criminal and recovered arms and ammunition. In another development, troops arrested 3 IPOB/ESN members at Umunze Community in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.
Investigation revealed that they belong to Jukwese IPOB/ESN syndicate operating within Umunze community in Orumba LGA of Anambra State. Similarly, A suspected notorious arms dealer was also arrested at his residence in Nteje, Oyi LGA of Anambra State. Following his arrest, troops recovered a vehicle and two Samsung phones.
Meanwhile, On 1 January 2026, the Air Component of Operation UDO KA provided close air support to the ground troops during a clearance operation at Ajalli Forest in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State.
During the operation, terrorist’s enclaves were identified within the thickly forested area and were set ablaze by troops.
Also, on 8 and 9 January 2026, armed reconnaissance missions were conducted over Awo-Ommama, Eke-Ututu, Mbieri, Njaba, Orlu, Orsu West, Orsumoghu and Owerri as well as Nkalagu, Ishielu, Ohaukwu, Izzi and Abakaliki general area. During the missions, significant successes were recorded.