The Armed Forces of Nigeria in continuation of its counterterrorism, counter-insurgency, anti-kidnapping, anti-crude oil theft, and broader anti-criminality operations sustained the momentum in its various theatres of operations.
Major General Michael Onoja the Director Defence Media Operations in a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, explained that the momentum reflect the professionalism and resilience demonstrated by troops operating in close coordination with other security agencies, bolstered by actionable intelligence provided by patriotic citizens.
Across all geopolitical regions, Armed Forces of Nigeria, personnel maintained dominance of the battlespace through proactive and offensive operations, including clearance patrols, targeted raids, and precision air interdictions. These efforts have resulted in the neutralization of terrorists and other criminal elements, the arrest of suspects, the successful rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of illicit arms, ammunition, and other contraband materials. Despite some challenges, these outcomes underscore the Armed Forces of Nigeria's unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security, protecting civilian populations, and restoring stability throughout the country.
The activities of troops in the theatres are as follows:
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI continued to sustain an aggressive and highly coordinated offensive against terrorist elements of Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS across the North-East theatre. These operations, driven by actionable intelligence and robust inter-agency collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, local hunters and hybrid forces, have significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capabilities, curtailed their freedom of movement and disrupted their logistics networks. Notably, on 13 March 2026, troops in Banki, Bama local Government Area of Borno State, repelled a terrorist attack with overwhelming firepower, neutralizing several fighters and recovering arms and ammunition. Related operations across Gujba and Kaga local Government Area's led to the arrest of key logistics suppliers and collaborators who had infiltrated communities under the guise of legitimate businesses, while further engagements in Bita thwarted infiltration attempts following real-time surveillance, resulting in additional recoveries of weapons and ammunition.
In a series of sustained follow-up operations between 14 and 18 March 2026, troops recorded further operational successes, including the arrest of a terrorist spy in Yunusari local Government Area and an informant in Damasak, both in Yobe and Borno States respectively. Troops also decisively repelled coordinated ISWAP attacks on military positions in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa, with close air support from the Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation contributing to the neutralization of several terrorists, including a key commander. In a major feat, troops successfully repelled a complex attack involving drones at Mallam Fatori in Abadam local Government Area, after which exploitation operations led to the discovery of 74 terrorist bodies, including senior commanders, and the recovery of a large cache of arms comprising 38 AK-47 rifles, 3 PKT machine guns, an RPG tube, assorted ammunition and operational documents. In the same vein, on 19 March 2026, troops deployed in Wukari local Government Area of Taraba State, while on patrol along the Wukari - Ikyaior Road, intercepted two suspected gunrunners. Troops recovered different calibres of ammunition, cash, motorcycles and other items. The suspects and all recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued to record significant operational successes through well-coordinated and intelligence-driven operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. These sustained offensives have dealt decisive strikes to terrorist elements by dismantling their logistics networks, neutralizing fighters and disrupting planned attacks on communities and critical infrastructure. Notably, on 13 March 2026, troops conducting a fighting patrol in Tubali and Zangon Danmaka villages of Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, made contact with terrorists, neutralized several of them and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles used for mobility. In Katsina State, troops operating along the Alikere–Yankara axis in Faskari local Government Area successfully rescued four kidnapped victims who escaped from terrorist enclaves and safely reunited them with their families, demonstrating the military’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring normalcy.
In further operations, troops thwarted a kidnap attempt on Reverend Nuhu Anche of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ in Sanga local Government Area of Kaduna State, forcing the assailants to abandon their mission and flee under pressure, while the victim was promptly evacuated for medical care. Additional successes include the arrest of armed suspects and terrorist collaborators in Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi States, as well as a major inter-agency breakthrough involving the interception of a female ammunition courier by the DSS in Kano with 884 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Troops also apprehended suspected informants linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi State, further weakening criminal support networks. Similarly, on 19 March 2026, following reports of sporadic gunfire around Tungan Aliat Tato Village in Kaduna local Government Area of Kaduna State, troops deployed at Millennium City Estate swiftly mobilized to the area and discovered that terrorists had stormed the village but aborted their mission due to the troops’ prompt response. Troops pursued the fleeing assailants and successfully arrested one terrorist, recovering one pistol and a mobile phone. In a related development same day, troops deployed at Kumchi Baba, in conjunction with Forest Guards, were attacked by terrorists in Kumchi Baba Village, Arewa local Government Area of Kebbi State. The troops, however, repelled the attack, forcing the terrorists to withdraw towards the border with Niger Republic. Reinforcements linked up with the troops and conducted clearance operations in Tukoy and Goru villages, where the terrorists again fled on sighting troops. During exploitation of the general area, one terrorist was arrested and handedover to the DSS for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD continued to intensify counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Kwara and Niger States, with increased operational reach into forested corridors and border communities known to harbour criminal elements. These proactive measures are yielding tangible results as troops sustained pressure on terrorist networks and their logistics chains. In a recent operation on 15 March 2026, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Kaiama in Kaiama local Government Area of Kwara State apprehended a suspect who was in the process of supplying three motorcycles intended for terrorist use, thereby disrupting a critical mobility and logistics link.
Further exploitation led to the arrest of two suspected ISWAP and JAS terrorists who had arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles for onward delivery to collaborators in Nuku Village. Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects have provided credible and actionable intelligence that will aid ongoing operations to track and apprehend other members of the network.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation ENDURING PEACE continued to sustain coordinated security operations across Plateau, Bauchi, and parts of Benue and Kaduna States, maintaining a strong presence in vulnerable communities and along key transit corridors. These efforts yielded significant operational gains in disrupting criminal activities and safeguarding lives. On 13 March 2026, troops in Wase local Government Area of Plateau State responded swiftly to reports of terrorist activity at Yuli Village, pursued the assailants and successfully rescued an abducted victim who was subsequently reunited with her family. Similarly, in Benue State, troops thwarted a kidnap attempt along Ugbokpo in Apa local Government Area, rescuing four passengers from armed herders, while additional operations in Gboko local Government Area led to the recovery of arms and ammunition following the interception of fleeing suspects.
In subsequent operations, troops recorded further successes including the arrest of a suspected ammunition courier in Shendam LGA of Plateau State with a large cache of ammunition, as well as the rescue of another abducted commuter along the Manchok–Jos Road in Riyom local Government Area after a firefight that forced kidnappers to abandon their victim. Additional arrests were made in Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs, where suspects linked to armed robbery and terrorist activities were apprehended, leading to the recovery of firearms and ammunition. In a related development, on 18 March 2026, troops also conducted an anti-illegal mining operation along the Chaza–Izom axis, extending into Gwagwalada in the Fedral Capital Territory, Abuja where an illegal mining site was dismantled and eight suspects arrested.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued to sustain robust and proactive security operations across Benue and adjoining areas within the Joint Operations Area. These efforts are aimed at curbing militia activities, countering armed criminality and restoring lasting peace in affected communities. On 13 March 2026, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Agasha in Guma local Government Area of Benue State swiftly responded to reports of a suspected militia attack, leading to the apprehension of one suspect and the recovery of a locally fabricated rifle. In a related development, troops at Tor-Donga responded to a distress call in Mtam, Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala local Government Area of Benue State, where they made contact with armed terrorists and after a brief but intense firefight, forced the terrorists to flee in disarray. Items recovered from the scene include one dane gun, six pistols, two motorcycles and other illicit materials.
In a separate but coordinated operation on 14 March 2026, troops of Sector 2 operating in Awe and Lafia, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Team, apprehended a suspected gunrunner at Agwatashi in Obi local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The suspect, believed to be a key supplier of arms to criminal elements operating along the Kwara - Kogi axis, was arrested with a significant cache of ammunition and a sum of money.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued to intensify coordinated operations across the South-South region, targeting criminal networks, safeguarding critical national infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs’ freedom of action. In a series of intelligence-led operations between 12 and 17 March 2026, troops in collaboration with the DSS, NDLEA and other security agencies recorded significant successes. Notably, on 12 March 2026, a joint operation in Yenagoa local Government Area of Bayelsa State led to the arrest of three suspects linked to kidnapping, while troops on patrol in Warri South LGA of Delta State apprehended another suspect in possession of a locally made pistol and ammunition. On 13 March 2026, troops intercepted two suspected ammunition couriers in Obubra local Government Area of Cross River State conveying ammunition, and subsequent cordon and search operations yielded additional arms, locally fabricated weapons and explosive-making materials. On the same day, anti-drug operations in Yenagoa resulted in the arrest of 20 suspected drug peddlers and recovery of illicit substances, while a separate operation uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site in Warri South local Government Area of Delta State with tankers, barges and large quantities of suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
Sustained follow-up operations further degraded criminal networks across the region. On 16 March 2026, troops responding to a kidnapping incident in Aniocha North local Government Area of Delta State neutralised one kidnapper and successfully rescued three abducted victims. Subsequent anti-drug operations on 17 March 2026 in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States led to the arrest of multiple suspects and recovery of significant quantities of hard drugs. Additionally, troops operating in Tai local Government Area of Rivers State discovered and dismantled an illegal refining site, confiscating about 1,500 litres of illegally refined products. On 18 March 2026, troops in conjunction with Tantita operatives, conducted anti-illegal oil bunkering operations at Edjekuta Community in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, intercepted a Mercedes Benz C180 with Reg No: DSZ 14 AH conveying 22 jerrycans containing approximately 660 litres of illegally refined AGO, while two suspects were arrested and are currently in custody alongside the recovered items. Similarly, on 19 March 2026, troops deployed at Abonnema in Akuku Toru local Government Area of Rivers State intercepted a speedboat conveying 25 sacks containing about 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, the suspects fled on sighting troops, while the recovered items were handled in accordance with operational procedures.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies sustained coordinated clearance and anti-criminality operations across the South East regions with notable successes recorded. On 13 March 2026, troops came under heavy fire from a building suspected to be a terrorist hideout at Orsu - Ihiteukwa in Orsu local Government Area of Imo State. The attack was effectively repelled, while a Civil Defence uniform, different forms of ammunition were recovered. Additionally, six Improvised Explosive Devices discovered along the route were safely neutralised by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. In a follow-up operation on 14 March 2026, a joint team comprising troops of the Arm Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies engaged terrorists at the same location, neutralising two IED specialists attempting to emplace explosive devices. Items recovered include three IEDs, IED-making materials, a ballistic vest, communication equipment and other items, all of which were safely handled by EOD experts.
In related operations, on 15 March 2026, troops deployed at Akaeze in Ivo local Government Area of Ebonyi State arrested a suspected cultist in possession of a locally made pistol, live ammunition, mobile phones, illicit drugs and cash, while on 16 March 2026, troops conducted a search operation at Odonget Community in Obubra local Government Area of Cross River State, recovering locally fabricated firearms and suspected weapon-making tools. Further clearance patrols on 17 March 2026 in Isabang community in Obubra LGA of Cross River State, led to the recovery of additional weapons, including dane guns and ammunition, as well as identification materials linked to a wanted suspect. Similarly, on 16 March 2026, troops in conjunction with other security agencies responded to credible intelligence on kidnappers’ activities at Idumu Ugo–Isele Uku Forest in Aniocha North local Government Area of Delta State, where one kidnapper was neutralised and three abducted victims successfully rescued and handed over to the appropriate authorities.
In conclusion, General Onoja emphasized that the successes recorded across the various theatres during the reporting period, despite some challenges, underscores the courage, professionalism and resilience of our troops who remain resolute in the defence of the nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria assures Nigerians that ongoing operations will be further intensified to decisively dismantle the remaining pockets of criminal and terrorist elements threatening peace and national development.
That n this regard, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirm their commitment to sustained collaboration with other security agencies, local authorities and communities to consolidate gains and restore lasting stability across the country. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede also extends profound appreciation to troops for their unwavering dedication to duty, while paying solemn tribute to those who have paid the supreme price in the line of duty, noting that their sacrifices will forever remain honoured and remembered.
Maintaining that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to operating in accordance with its rules of engagement, international humanitarian laws, Geneva Conventions and other provisions that guide legal warfare. It continues to monitor the activities of non-state actors and will hold them accountable at the appropriate time. DHQ also wishes to re-emphasise the need for continued local support and cooperation of Nigerians in the various theatres whose resilience remains vital to operational success. In the light of recent security challenges in the North East, particularly the unfortunate bomb blast in Borno State, the Defence Boss extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. As the Muslim faithful observe the end of holy month of Ramadan, the Armed Forces of Nigeria conveys warm greetings and encourages all Nigerians to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, unity and peaceful coexistence, while reaffirming its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property across the nation.