Troops Destroy Terrorists’ Camps, Arrest, Kill Scores Of Criminals, Economic Saboteurs, Recover Large Cache of Weapons Nationwide
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has within the past week destroyed terrorists camps, neutralized scores of terrorists and recovered large cache of weapons, nationwide.
This was contained in a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja Director Defence Media Operations, on Friday in Abuja, on the military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria fot the week from 13 to 19 February, 2026.
According to him, 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 3 JTF operations in the NC; OPEP, OPWS and OPSS. Thereafter, the successes recorded by JTF SS OPDS and JTF SE OPUK will be highlighted.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI. Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP, and Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements across the North-East theatre throughout the week, effectively denying the terrorists freedom of manoeuvre and disrupting their operational cycles.
Specific offensive operations were conducted in Abadam, Bama, Biu, Damboa, Gwoza, Kukawa, and Konduga LGAs of Borno State, as well as Damaturu, Geidam, and Gujba LGAs in Yobe State, areas historically vulnerable to terrorist infiltration and attacks on soft targets.
During fierce encounters, scores of terrorists were neutralized, seven suspects were apprehended and three kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and reunited with their families. All arrested individuals and recovered weapons are currently in military custody pending preliminary investigation and handover to relevant prosecuting agencies.
In a separate development on 16 February 2026, troops on routine offensive patrol along the Maiduguri – Magumeri axis intercepted five suspected individuals in possession of Thirty-Seven Million Naira (₦37,000,000.00) in cash, which the suspects claimed was meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of the International NGO, Action Against Hunger.
The individuals and the seized funds have been taken into custody for further verification and investigation to ascertain the legitimacy of the transaction and rule out any potential links to terrorist financing or aid diversion.
Similarly, on 19 February 2026, following a tip-off on the movement of terrorist logistics in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State, troops arrested one Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula at Madagali Motor Park.
Items recovered during the operation include two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks. The suspect is currently in troops’ custody for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, focused on disrupting terrorist networks responsible for mass abductions, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities across multiple states.
Aggressive offensive manoeuvres were launched in Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara, Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State; Kano Municipal Council and Tsanyawa LGA in Kano State; Batsari, Danmusa, Daura, Kankara, Rimi and Sabuwa LGAs in Katsina State; as well as Katchia LGA in Kaduna State, Arewa LGA in Kebbi State, and Binji, Isa, and Wuro LGAs in Sokoto State.
These operations yielded tangible successes, including the apprehension of nine terrorists for interrogation and prosecution, the rescue of 26 kidnapped victims who were promptly reunited with their families amid widespread community relief and the recovery of assorted weapons, vehicles, and livestock stolen by the terrorists.
Recovered arms and ammunition are in troops’ custody for forensic analysis and evidentiary use, further denying the criminals resources to sustain their activities. These achievements not only disrupted ransom-driven economies fuelling terrorists but also boosted civilian confidence, encouraging greater intelligence cooperation from local populations and contributing to a broader decline in violent incidents across the North-West theatre, where farming and trade activities are gradually resuming.
The donation of 25 highly sophisticated Armoured Personnel Carriers by the Zamfara State Government on 18 February 2026 will also enhance operations in the Area of Responsibility.
The Chief of Defence Staff conveys his appreciation to the Zamfara State Government for this gesture to the operations.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, tasked with denying terrorists freedom of action across Kwara and Niger States, maintained proactive dominance through coordinated offensive operations.
The operations, which are focused on rapid response and community-based intelligence, targeted hideouts in rugged forests and border areas frequently exploited by terorists for ambushes and abductions.
A notable incident occurred on 16 February 2026, when troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes and Forest Rangers, responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a terrorist attack on Motoku village in Patigi LGA of Kwara State.
Pursuing the fleeing terrorists into the surrounding terrain, the combined team recovered two motorcycles earlier snatched from villagers, forcing the terrorists to abandon their plunder and retreat deeper into Roguwa Forest while preventing further casualties. Complementing this response, troops extended clearance operations into Edu and Ekiti LGAs of Kwara State as well as Borgu LGA in Niger State, dismantling suspected enclaves and transit routes.
These efforts resulted in the arrest of five terrorists, the rescue of seven kidnapped victims who were safely returned to their communities, and the seizure of arms and ammunition that would otherwise have been used for future attacks.
To strengthen the mandate of the operation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede officially launched/presented flag of Authority to the Commander of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Major General Yakubu Yahaya on 19 February 2026 in Ilorin, Kwara State.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State demonstrated swift responsiveness by acting on multiple distress calls reporting terrorist activities across several sectors during the week. The operation, which coordinates efforts among the Armed Forces and supporting security agencies, conducted aggressive offensive patrols and raids in Riyom, Jos North, Bassa, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, as well as Kaura LGA in neighbouring Kaduna State, areas long plagued by attacks on farming communities and travellers.
These proactive measures resulted in intense firefights that neutralized several terrorists, led to the arrest of three suspects and facilitated the successful rescue of six kidnapped victims, who were promptly reunited with their families.
Assorted arms and ammunition recovered from the neutralized and arrested terrorists are secured in troops’ custody for evidentiary purposes and further forensic analysis, significantly degrading the operational capacity of terrorists groups in the theatre.
In a notable incident highlighting inter-agency collaboration, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Kaura LGA, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, Hunters and Forest Security Service popularly known as Rangers, responded promptly to intelligence on the abduction of five civilians at Yardi village in Kaduna State. Upon arrival, the combined team engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gun fire, compelling the terrorists to abandon their victims and flee into nearby forests with injuries.
All five hostages were rescued unharmed and handed over to their families amid community appreciation, while aggressive pursuit operations continue to track and apprehend the fleeing criminals.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded commendable successes in their Area of Responsibility through sustained dominance operations during the week.
The Joint Task Force executed several offensive raids and patrols in Guma, Gwer West, Katsina-Ala, Agatu, and Makurdi LGAs of Benue State, as well as Wukari LGA in Taraba State, targeting known hideouts and transit routes used by terrorists criminal elements.
Additionally, troops responded effectively to distress alerts concerning kidnapping incidents in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State and Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State, demonstrating rapid deployment capabilities that prevented further escalation and bolstered public confidence in security forces amid persistent terrorist threats. In a notable encounter on 19 February 2026, following information about terrorist activities at Kumeh village in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, troops of Sector 1 Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed at Abaji/Katsina Ala mobilized to the area and engaged the terrorists.
During the fierce exchange, troops neutralized terrorists while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Troops subsequently exploited the general area and recovered caches of arms and ammunition of various calibres.
Overall, these operations yielded significant outcomes, including the arrest of 11 terrorists among them Aisha Auta, the wife of a notorious wanted terrorists ring leader whose capture is expected to yield valuable intelligence on network structures and financing.
Four kidnapped victims were liberated and safely returned to their communities, while troops recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other logistical items from dismantled terrorist enclaves, effectively disrupting supply lines and mobility.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE. In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops have intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, and associated criminal activities, successfully foiling significant oil theft attempts during the week.
The operation discovered and destroyed four illegal refining sites, dismantling ovens, reservoirs, and associated equipment used for processing stolen crude.
In addition, five suspected oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered, denying perpetrators the means to perpetuate vandalism of oil infrastructure or threaten communities and security personnel.
These actions align with the broader mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE to safeguard Nigeria’s oil economy, protect critical national assets in the South-South region, and disrupt syndicates responsible for massive revenue losses through bunkering and pipeline breaches.
Complementing these anti-bunkering successes, troops conducted targeted offensive operations in Isoko North LGA of Delta State and Yakurr LGA of Cross River State, leading to the arrest of three additional criminals involved in illicit activities.
From the suspects, substantial quantities of methamphetamine commonly known as “ICE” with a street value exceeding Five Million Naira were recovered, highlighting the interconnected nature of oil theft networks with drug trafficking and other organized crime in the region.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA have sustained intensive offensive operations as part of ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and restore stability in South-East region. A key focus of recent activities included cordon-and-search operations in Ikwo and Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State, where troops raided suspected terrorist enclaves.
During one such raid, a terrorist in possession of firearms was arrested and taken into custody for interrogation and prosecution.
These actions align with broader achievements in the period, including the arrest of 8 suspected terrorists in Ebonyi State.
Recovery of assorted weapons and ammunition, rescue of kidnapped victims, and destruction of illegal camps, underscoring the military’s commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action while encouraging surrenders and community cooperation.
Also, in a notable encounter on 19 February 2026, troops in conjunction with personnel of other security agencies conducted a joint fighting patrol operation to Mast Tango general area of Imo State.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists and neutralised some IPOB/ESN member and recovered some assaulted rifles.
In conclusion, the Defence Headquarters reiterates the unwavering commitment of the AFN to the defence of the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Troops across all theatres remain resolute, professional and steadfastly guided by established rules of engagement, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The successes recorded in recent operations across multiple theatres are a clear testament to effective leadership, robust inter-agency cooperation, and the extraordinary dedication and sacrifices of personnel who continue to place service to the nation above personal comfort.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, heartily commends all troops for their sustained aggressive posture and unrelenting fight against terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminality.
He equally expresses profound appreciation to host communities for their timely and credible information, continued cooperation and unwavering support to the AFN in the collective effort to bring insecurity to an end.
Citizens are reminded that the emergency toll-free line 193 which is accessible via all networks remains active 24/7 for prompt reporting of suspicious activities or dissemination of credible information to the AFN.
The Defence Headquarters values the sustained partnership of the media, traditional institutions, and law-abiding citizens and urges continued vigilance and collaboration.
The AFN will remain proactive, adaptive, and decisively focused on neutralizing all threats to national peace and stability.
