In a media briefing, Major General Michael Onoja the Director of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja reeled out major achievement of the ongoing military operations for the month of February 2026.
This engagement serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to transparency, public accountability, and the dissemination of accurate information regarding our efforts to enhance Nigeria's security situation and preserve the territorial integrity. In an era marked by dynamic security challenges, troops have shown extraordinary resilience and unwavering effort and successes across diverse operational theatres.
Onoja explained that throughout February, the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified its multi-domain operations, leveraging advanced intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and community partnerships to dismantle threats posed by terrorists, kidnappers and economic saboteurs. By integrating kinetic strikes with non-kinetic initiatives such as humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, and dialogue with local leaders, we are building resilient communities capable of withstanding adversarial influences.
"As we delve into the specifics, I assure you that every action taken adheres strictly to international humanitarian standards, rules of engagement, and a profound respect for human rights in line with global best practices. Armed Forces of Nigeria personnel's discipline remains paramount, and we continue to invest in training and oversight to uphold these principles" He said.
He now examined the key developments in each theatre of operation which is as follows:-
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained its kinetic campaign against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province and Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad factions, effectively curtailing their mobility and logistical capabilities, through joint efforts with hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters. Our ground operations were bolstered by aerial reconnaissance which targeted insurgent strongholds in remote and border regions. This month, we neutralized scores of terrorists, arrested eighty-five (85) suspects, facilitated the surrender of forty-six (46) insurgents and their families and 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 local Government Area 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 local Government Area 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 local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Damaturu and Geidam local Government Areas 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, Kukawa areas of Borno State and Lamusheri in Yobe State have neutralized dozens of ISWAP fighters, repelled drone-assisted assaults, and destroyed key terrorist camps and supply hubs.
By combining decisive offensive strikes with targeted intelligence gathering from communities, Operation HADIN KAI is systematically dismantling entrenched terrorist networks, paving the way for voluntary returns of displaced persons and post-conflict reconstruction.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West has been instrumental in countering terrorism across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. By fusing ground manoeuvres with air interdiction and real-time intelligence, troops maintained operational superiority, neutralizing several terrorists, arresting thirty-six (36) suspects, and rescuing two hundred and fifty-one (251) hostages. The highlight of troops activities was on 21 February 2026, where troops rescued twenty-one (21) victims from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa local Government Area of Katsina State, who were abducted on 19 February 2026 and were safely handed over to state authorities.
Interceptions of arms caches and ammunition from gunrunners across the theater have severely hampered criminal logistics, reducing the frequency of ambushes and raids. These efforts have also encouraged community dialogues, leading to voluntary disarmament in some areas and bolstering local vigilance networks. Building on these kinetic successes, the operation has introduced agro-security patrols to protect farmlands and herders, mitigating conflicts that terrorists exploit. This proactive measure, combined with infrastructure repairs in bandit-prone zones, is fostering economic revival and deterring youth recruitment into criminal groups, thereby addressing root causes of insecurity in the region. The recent donation of 25 APC’s to the operation by the Zamfara State Government has also bolstered the ops kinetics and response capability.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
In Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops extended their presence in Kwara and Niger States, targeting terrorist hideouts in forested and border terrains. Intelligence-driven offensives neutralized scores of terrorists, rescued several hostages, and recovered substantial arms during a fierce engagement on 18 February 2026 along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Magama local Government Area , Niger State.
By emphasizing rapid response and community intelligence, the operation has curtailed ambushes and abductions, creating safer corridors for commerce and travel. Non-kinetic engagements, such as stakeholder forums, have further strengthened ties with locals, promoting peace accords and early warning systems. To sustain these gains, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD has launched fighting patrols into forested areas in collaboration with the state government, focusing on areas used as criminal sanctuaries. This not only enhances security but also put pressure on the terrorists to find sanctuary out of the area, contributing to a comprehensive strategy for regional stability.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE has effectively addressed terrorism, kidnapping, and ethno-religious tensions through robust responses to distress calls. Troops neutralized several terrorists, arrested twenty-nine (29) criminals, rescued twenty-two (22) hostages, and recovered arms in multiple raids, demonstrating seamless coordination with air and other security agencies.
Notably, swift interventions in Babuje and Razat villages of Barkin Ladi local Government Area and Jol and Dan Tanko communities of Riyom and Bassa local Government Areas of Plateau State quelled farmer-herder clashes, restoring calm via dominance patrols and enforcement of law and order. Enhancing these efforts, the operation has implemented youth empowerment programs, including vocational training in agriculture and conflict resolution, to prevent radicalization and build harmony. These initiatives have been pivotal in transforming conflict zones into models of peaceful coexistence.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States, has tackled farmer-herder disputes, banditry, and kidnappings with offensive raids and patrols. Successes include neutralizing terrorists, arresting forty-nine (49) suspects, rescuing thirty-two (32) hostages, and recovery of arms. The arrest of a key terrorist on 21 February 2026 in Sarkin Kudu, Ibi local Government Area of Taraba State, yielded recovery of arms, magazines, ammunition, and Two Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N2,440,000) only, while a wanted logistics supplier was apprehended on 23 February 2026 in Tajimi, Lokoja local Government Area of Kogi. These disruptions have impacted criminal finances and encouraged surrenders.
Complementing kinetics, Operation WHIRL STROKE facilitated inter-community dialogues and market security enhancements, boosting trade and reducing economic vulnerabilities that fuel crime.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE has ramped up anti-oil theft measures, arrested fifty-nine (59) criminals, rescued hostages, recovered one hundred and forty-four thousand and fifty (144,050) litres of crude oil and thirty-one thousand, six hundred and one (31,601) litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and destroying thirty-two (32) illegal refining sites. Working together, maritime and land components as well as other security agencies dismantled processing equipment, thus safeguarding national assets.
Following the arrest of two suspected gunrunners on 21 February 2026 in Ugep, Yakurr local Government Area, and Adim, Biase local Government Area of Cross River State, troops in close collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a targeted raid on 25 February 2026 at a suspects’ residence. The operation yielded significant recoveries, including one locally fabricated pistol, pistol components, specialised fabricating tools, and a substantial cache of assorted ammunition. In a related development during the same intelligence-driven operation, troops arrested one person at his residence, recovering three additional locally made pistols, one semi-automatic fabricated pistol, one rifle bayonet and one rifle barrel. All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action. To bolster sustainability, the operation has partnered with environmental agencies for oil spill cleanups and community education on legal livelihoods, reducing reliance on illicit activities and promoting ecological and economic health in the Niger Delta.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Operation UDO KA in the South-East intensified actions against dissident groups like the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Some success recorded during the month were the arrest of Fifty-Four (54) terrorists and other criminal elements and rescue of kidnapped hostages. A key focus of recent activities included troops clearance operations to an identified building observed to be an IPOB/ESN logistics hub. On sighting troops’ approach, terrorists opened fire but were repelled by troops’ superior fire power which forced them to withdraw into a rugged valley. Battle damage assessment revealed that scores of terrorists were neutralised while some were severely wounded in action.
The operation combined kinetic military actions with non-kinetic measures such as community engagement, medical outreaches, and conflict resolution initiatives. These coordinated offensives targeted terrorist hideouts, disrupted criminal networks and prevented attacks on civilians and security forces, contributing to a notable decline in violent incidents and improved public confidence in affected communities.
General Onoja concluded that Armed Forces of Nigeria troops across all theatres maintained aggressive, intelligence-led and coordinated land, air and maritime operations, relentlessly confronting terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements that threatened national peace and stability. These sustained efforts have delivered significant gains, including the neutralization of hostile actors, recovery of substantial caches of arms and ammunition, successful rescue of kidnapped victims, disruption of illicit networks, and progressive restoration of civil authority in previously disturbed areas.
That the ersonnel have consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards, even in the face of evolving and complex threats. We remain deeply grateful for the continued support and timely cooperation of ordinary Nigerians whose credible intelligence and vigilance have proven indispensable to these operational successes. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will sustain this momentum, consolidate hard-won gains and remain resolute in creating a secure environment that enables citizens to live, work and thrive in peace.
The achievements of February 2026 exemplify our steadfast dedication to building a safe and secure Nigeria. As the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent commence, the Armed Forces of Nigeria extends heartfelt best wishes to all observing these periods of reflection, prayer and communal harmony. We urge everyone to remain security conscious, report any suspicious activity promptly via our emergency line 193 and collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful and incident free observances.
He now on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff emphasized that
" General Olufemi Oluyede and other Service Chiefs, I express profound appreciation to our gallant troops for their immense sacrifices, to our partners across security agencies and civil society for their invaluable collaboration, to the Nigerian people and media for their enduring trust and support. Together, united in purpose, we shall prevail" He said.