Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Rescue Victims Nationwide — DHQ

January 19 15:56 2026 by The Ajasa News Print This Article

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded major operational successes across the country between 1 and 19 January 2026, neutralising terrorists, arresting criminal elements, rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering large caches of arms and ammunition.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, sustained intensive kinetic and non-kinetic operations to deny terrorists, bandits and kidnappers freedom of action nationwide.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised several Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, arrested 34 suspects and rescued 17 kidnapped victims. Terrorist attacks on military locations in Adamawa and Borno states were successfully repelled, while air strikes neutralised fleeing insurgents, including a notorious terrorist leader, Munzir, also known as Baa Yanziye.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops conducted operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger and Kano states, neutralising terrorists, arresting nine suspects and rescuing 52 kidnapped victims. Troops also diffused an armed unmanned aerial vehicle that crashed in Niger State, while air strikes destroyed terrorist enclaves.
Operations in the North Central zone led to the arrest of several criminals and the rescue of dozens of victims in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Kwara states. A major arms cache, including AK-47 rifles and ammunition, was recovered in Taraba State following the arrest of a key terrorist associate.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE disrupted oil theft valued at over ₦53.7 million, destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 suspects across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested IPOB/ESN members and an arms dealer, while clearing terrorist enclaves in Enugu, Imo and Anambra states with ground and air support.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to securing the nation, assuring Nigerians of sustained efforts to protect lives, property and national assets.