In a media statement issued by Major General Michael Onoja the Director of Defence Media Operations of the Nigeria Defence Headquarters explained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains focused in executing operations to neutralize potential threats and sustain peace in the country.
He emphasized the achievements of the Nigeria troops up to February, then explained that the objective of troops is to ensure the safety and well-being of every Nigerian citizen, as well as to maintain the sanctity of their properties. By strictly adhering to the rule of law, we aim to create a harmonious society where justice prevails and individual’s rights are respected. Moreover, our unwavering commitment extends to fostering a climate of safety and security that transcends all regions of Nigeria. Through proactive measures and vigilant monitoring, we strive to create an environment where every Nigerian can thrive without fear or apprehension.
On this note, the Chief of Defence Staff wishes to convey his condolences and sympathy to the Government of Kwara State and the families of victims of the killings in Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on 4 February 2026. That the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with other security agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to justices.
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. This press release will highlight the operational successes of JTF NE OPHK, JTF NW OPFY and the 2 JTF operations in the NC; OPEP and OPWS. Thereafter, the successes recorded by JTF SS OPDS and JTF SE OPUK will be highlighted.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
During the week, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), sustained operational momentum by effectively denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action across the North East region. Ground forces, operating in close coordination with the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups, conducted aggressive, intelligence-driven operations throughout the theatre. These operations resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of their informants and logistics suppliers, and the recovery of arms and equipment, leading to the dismantling of key terrorist networks. The sustained pressure created a more secure environment, facilitating the safe resettlement of displaced persons. Notably, on 30 January 2026, troops conducting clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, specifically around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, encountered terrorists. Following a fierce firefight, over 20 terrorists were neutralised, including a wanted notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander identified as Julaibib, who operated within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. Similarly, troops engaged terrorists in Gwoza LGA, neutralising several of them. Within the same period, troops also neutralised scores of terrorists in Hong and Mubi North LGAs of Adamawa State, arrested two kidnappers, and rescued seven abducted victims. Arms, assorted ammunition, laptops, mobile phones, cutlasses, and a vehicle were recovered from the criminals.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in continuation of their clearance operations across Borno and Yobe States, uncovered and destroyed three major detention facilities where terrorists kept abducted victims/captives. The facilities were uncovered during clearance operations conducted within the forested Timbuktu Triangle in an adjoining area between Damboa and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States. The facilities were confirmed capable of containing about 300 kidnapped victims (detainees) at a time. In the process of carrying out the destruction of the facilities, troops had a firefight with elements of the terrorists guarding the facilities and over 30 were terrorists neutralised, while 70 victims were rescued.
Following an earlier update on the ongoing repatriation exercise, the second batch of about 700 Nigerian refugees was successfully repatriated from the Republic of Cameroon into Nigeria through the Banki border in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on 31 January 2026. Troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, provided adequate security during and after the exercise, ensuring the safety and orderly movement of the returnees.
In a related development, troops have sustained clearance and counterterrorism operations across Borno State. Troops apprehended one suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier at Jakana Village in Konduga Local Government Area . The suspect, an indigene of the area, is currently in custody for further interrogation. Additionally, troops also recovered items suspected to have been abandoned by terrorists along the Mulumkoloye axis, arrested five terrorists and recovered arms during a cordon-and-search operation in Konduga Local Government Area.
Other operational activities carried out during the period are offensive operations conducted in Ngazai, Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Biu, Damboa, Dikwa, Jere and Kaga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Similar operations were conducted in Hong and Madagali Local Government Areas of Adamawa State. During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralized, 13 of them were arrested, while 12 kidnapped victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops custody for further action.
Armed Reconnaissance and Air Interdiction Missions. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation while providing air cover to ground troops, observed 5 vehicles suspected to be Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices belonging to the terrorists at Road Marguna in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. Targets were acquired and multiple precision strikes were carried out. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that both occupants and vehicles were neutralized.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of OPFY sustained operational tempo throughout the period. During several fire fights, significant number of terrorists were neutralised while kidnapped victims were rescued. Significantly, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in a joint operation with Office of National Security Adviser conducted fighting patrol within Kwara State and encountered terrorists at Garin Dandi, a known enclave of terrorists in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. During a firefight, scores of terrorists were neutralized while their camps were destroyed. In addition, troops while on withdrawal route, rescued 10 kidnapped victims at different locations.
Additionally, between 31 January – 8 February 2026, offensive operations were also conducted in Tsafe, Bukkuyum, Maru, Gumi, Maradun and Gusau Local Government Areas of Zamfara State as well as Faskari and Funtua Local Government Areas of Katsina State. Troops conducted operations in Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas of Sokoto State as well as Dankon Wasagu and Yauri Local Government Areas of Kebbi State. Other areas covered during the week include Igabi, Kajuru and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. These operations resulted in the rescue of the remaining abducted persons from Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State in conjuction with other security agencies. Operations were also conducted in Kontagora, Rafi and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. During these operations, several terrorists were neutralised, 19 of them were apprehended, while 13 kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles and livestock were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
On 4 February 2026, troops responded to the recent terrorist attack on Woro Village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The troops have since secured the community, conducted clearance and confidence-building patrols, and reassured residents of their safety. Sequel to a presidential directive, the DHQ in conjunction with the AHQ and other services have inaugurated Operation SAVANAH SHEILD to conduct intensive operations in Kwara and Niger States to rout out the festering terrorist enclaves in the area. The operation which was carved out from Operation FANSAN YAMMA is designed to enhance security operations in the area.
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, between 31 January – 8 February 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Quaan Pan, Mangu, Wase, Riyom, Bokkos, Jos North and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State as well as Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. During the firefights, several terrorists were neutralized, 16 other criminals were arrested, while 5 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States recorded some successes in their Area of Operational Responsibility. Between 31 January – 8 February 2026, troops conducted several offensive operations in Ogbadibo, Gwer West, Agatu, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Otukpo, Ukum and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue State as well as Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Yagba West, Lokoja and Bassa Local Government Areas of Kogi State as well as Ifelodun and Edu Local Government Areas of Kwara State. Others are Toto, Loko and Wamba Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. During these operations, troops arrested 16 extremists, while 17 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered from them. Also, troops responded to the recent terrorist attack in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. Following the incident, troops conducted aggressive clearance operations and established a robust security presence. The terrorists were engaged, resulting in significant disruption of their activities, while efforts are ongoing to track and neutralise fleeing elements. The area has been stabilised, and troops continue confidence-building patrols.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled significant oil theft during the week. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 7 illegal refining sites and arrested 9 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
Relatedly, between 31 January – 8 February 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Oshimili North, Uvwie, Bomadi and Okpe LGAs of Delta State as well as ONELGA and Ahoada LGA of Rivers State. Operations were also conducted in Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State. During the operations, troops arrested 24 suspects, while a kidnaped victim was rescued. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations in Isiala Ngwa South and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia State as well as Oyi and Udenu Local Government Areas of Anambra and Enugu States. Operations were also conducted in Edda and Afikpo LGAs of Ebonyi State. During the operations, 23 terrorists were arrested, while 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
In conclusion, General ONOJA explained that the Armed Forces remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. These operations underscore our dedication to restoring peace, ensuring the safety of all citizens, and dismantling threats to national security. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede commends the bravery and professionalism of personnel and appreciates the unwavering support of Nigerians whose cooperation, timely information, and trust remain critical to operational successes. Together, we will achieve lasting peace and stability across the country.