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Major General Michael Onoja the Director of Defence Media Operations in a press briefing, explained the on ongoing military operations across the various theatre of operations nationwide.
This engagement underscores their commitment to transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with the media in keeping the Nigerian public informed, which will provide an overview of recent operational activities, key successes recorded by troops, and emerging security dynamics, within the limits of national security considerations for the month of January 2026. It will also highlight the professionalism, resilience, and sacrifices of our personnel who continue to operate under challenging conditions to safeguard lives, property, and critical national assets.
'We value the vital role of the media as partners in strategic communication and national security. Your accurate and responsible reportage contributed significantly to public confidence and collective security efforts. We appreciate your continued cooperation and the support of all Nigerians, as the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate. I am also sure that the media tour has also afforded you the opportunity to interact with both our troops and members of the local communities as well' Onoja explained.
Onoja elaborated that within the month of January 2026, troops in various theatres neutralized several terrorists, arrested four hundred and fifty-two (452) suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, rescued about two hundred and eighty-four (284) kidnapped victims, while one hundred and twenty-four (124) terrorists as well as their family members surrendered to troops. Other significant successes recorded are dissuading of criminals from oil theft and recovery of quantity two hundred and ten thousand, three hundred (210,300) litres of crude oil, sixty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five (66,725) litres of Automative Gas Oil, Six Hundred and Sixty (660) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and five thousand (5,000) litres of Premium Motor Spirit. Troops also destroyed fifty-three (53) illegal refining sites during the month under review.
Events that unfolded during the period under review from the theatres of operations are highlighted below.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
In the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI 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 1-29 January 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States with successes recorded by neutralizing scores of terrorists. Also, seventy-four (74) of them were arrested, while forty (40) kidnaped victims were rescued. Notably, forty-four (44) terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the month under review. Interestingly, five (5) terrorists’ top commanders and three (3) of their lieutenants were taken out during firefights within the region.
During the month, troops conducted operations against terrorists in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Similar operations were conducted in Michika and Damaturu Local Government Areas of Adamawa and Yobe States respectively. During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralized, seventeen (17) of them were arrested, while twelve (12) kidnapped victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops custody for further action.
Relatedly, following encounter with terrorist by troops at Mandara Mountains on 22 January 2026, successfully neutralized two (2) terrorists commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida as well as several others. Weapons and cache of ammunition were recovered from them.
Air Interdiction and Armed Reconnaissance Missions. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation conducted several air interdiction missions and airlift of logistics support to the troops in the frontline. Notable among them was a coordinated air interdiction at a new terrorist’s location in the Northern Tumbus. Intelligence revealed that the location was a hibernation area for prominent ISWAP commanders and their foot soldiers. Targets were also observed gathering in two different locations, the selected targets were acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized, their weapons and equipment were also destroyed.
In another development, troops of Operation HADIN KAI with the aid of air support engaged ISWAP terrorists and neutralised dozens of them in Timbuktu Triangle while several others fled with severe degree of injuries. Notably among the neutralized terrorists, was a terrorists’ senior commander identified as Qaid and his lieutenant Munzir. The Air Component has intensified surveillance around Bulabulin and Korengelen South East of Azir in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State as well as the surrounding forests to detect the fleeing terrorists for possible elimination.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA 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 - 29 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations covering Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Kogi and Kwara States as well as some parts of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. During the period, several terrorists were neutralized, fifty-two (52) were arrested, while one hundred (100) kidnapped victims were rescued. It is important to inform you that cache of arms and ammunition were intercepted and recovered from terrorists gunrunners at different locations across the theatre.
During the month, troops conducted offensive operations in Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, Tsafe, Bungudu and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops conducted operations in Kankara, Dandume and Kurfi LGAs of Katsina State as well as Isa, Tangaza, Binji, Tureta and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State. Other areas covered during the week include Doka, Kachia and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Borgu and Zuru LGAs of Niger and Kebbi States respectively. During these operations, several terrorists were neutralised, sixteen (16) of them were apprehended, while thirty five (35) kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles and livestock were recovered.
Air Interdiction Mission and Close Air Support Mission. Following a distress call for close air support to ground troops conducting a clearance operations at Chukuba Village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA provided close air support to the troops. The location was scanned and was observed with terrorists activities. Targets were acquired and engaged with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in several sectors. For instance, troops conducted offensive operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna States. During the firefights, scores of extremists were neutralized, eighty six (86) other criminals were arrested, while twenty four (24) kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
During the month, troops conducted offensive operations in Kanam, Barkin Ladi, Qua’An Pan, Jos East, Bassa, Jos South, Bokkos and Wase LGAs of Plateau State. They also conducted operations in Jamaá and Zangon Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State. During the firefights, some extremists were neutralized, eleven (11) other criminals were arrested, while (six) 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
Notably, troops arrested a wanted kidnapper’s kingpin identified as Amadu Adamu in Jamaá Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE comprising, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States recorded some successes in their Area of Operational Responsibility. Between 1 - 29 January 2026, troops conducted several offensive operations in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Taraba States as well as Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. During the operations, several terrorists were neutralized. Fifty-eight (58) of them were arrested, while thirty-two (32) kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them.
Similarly, During the month, troops conducted several offensive operations in Jalingo and Ardo Kola Local Government Areas of Taraba State as well as Kabba Bunu, Yagba west and Yagba East Local Government Areas of Kogi State as well as Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Gwer West and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State. Others are Doma and Lafia Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State as well as Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory. During these operations, troops arrested twenty-nine (29) criminals, while nine (9) kidnapped victims were rescued. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE responded to distress calls on sea pirate, militancy and other criminal activities across the region. Significantly, troops foiled theft as follows; two hundred and ten thousand, three hundred (210,300) litres of crude oil, sixty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five (66,725) litres of Automative Gas Oil, six hundred and sixty (660) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and five thousand (5,000) litres of Premium Motor Spirit during the month under review. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed fifty-three (53) illegal refining sites and arrested eighty-one (81) oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
In recent development, troops conducted offensive operations in Insit Ibom and Essien Udin Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State as well as Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspects, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
Armed Reconnaissance Missions. In continuation of efforts to dissuade illegal refining activities Niger Delta Region, the Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conduct armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma. During the missions, it was observed that a large sized barge was siphoning petroleum products. Target were acquired and engaged accordingly.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA responded to distress calls on terrorists, sea pirate, militancy and other criminality activities across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. It is worthy to note that, over eighty (80) militants recently surrendered to troops, while eight (8) Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrol along Bakassi waterways. Significantly, crime rate has drastically reduced in the region compared to past crime occurrence. During the month, troops neutralized some terrorists, arrested twenty-two (22) of them and rescued eleven (11) kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
General Onoja concluded that the Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterate their unwavering commitment to the successful conduct of ongoing military operations across all theatres. Our troops remain focused, professional, and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional mandate to safeguard lives, property, and the territorial integrity of the nation. While challenges persist, significant progress continues to be recorded through sustained operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the support of local communities.
'We sincerely appreciate the cooperation, resilience, and patriotism of Nigerians, whose timely information, understanding, and support have remained critical to operational success. We also acknowledged the media for their responsible reporting and partnership in ensuring accurate information reaches the public. The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats. With the continued cooperation of citizens and stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting peace and stability. The Chief of Defence Staff mantra is “See Something, Say Something”. The Defence Headquarters urges all national leaders and stakeholders to mobilise eligible youths and provide the military information' He concluded.