Insecurity: Troops Records Notable Successes Despite Challenges – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has stated that despite the evolving and complex nature of the security environment, troops have remained resolute and resilient, recording notable successes through precision strikes, clearance operations, and sustained patrols.

This assertion was made by Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, at the weekly press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the week ending 19 – 23 January 2026.

In his opening remarks at the briefing, General Onoja noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in synergy with other security agencies, continues to conduct coordinated, intelligence-driven operations aimed at neutralizing threats posed by terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements undermining national peace and security.

These operations, according to him, are executed with professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, as well as international humanitarian law and respect for human rights.

“These efforts have led to the disruption of criminal networks, recovery of arms and ammunition, rescue of kidnapped victims, and restoration of normalcy in several affected communities.

“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.

“As usual, 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

In the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the period, troops sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region.

Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre.

During these operations, troops neutralized several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers. They also recovered weapons and dismantled terrorists’ networks.

Their efforts paved way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons.

For instance, from 19 – 23 January 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists in Damboa, Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza and Biu LGAs of Borno State.

Similar operations were conducted in Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States respectively.

During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralized, 7 of them were arrested, while 4 kidnapped victims were rescued.

The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops custody for further action.

Air Interdiction and Armed Recognizance Missions:

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation conducted air missions to Damboa and Abadam LGAs of Borno State.

During the missions, targets were acquired and multiple precision strikes were carried out.

Similarly, on the same day, an air interdiction mission was conducted at Doron Duguri in Borno State were terrorists activities was observed and precision strike was initiated on the targets.

Battle Damage Assessment revealed that dozens of terrorists were neutralized, their weapons and equipment were destroyed accordingly.

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 neutralized while kidnapped victims were rescued.

For instance, from 19 – 23 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Maru, Anka, Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, Tsafe, Talata Mafara and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Zamfara State.

Troops conducted operations in Batsari and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State as well as Tangaza and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto State.

Other areas covered during the week include Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State. During these operations, several terrorists were neutralized, 10 of them were apprehended, while 7 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Weapons, vehicles and livestock were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.

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 19 – 23 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Bokkos, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs of Plateau State.

They also conducted operations in Kaura and Jamaá LGAs of Kaduna State.

During the firefights, some extremists were neutralized, 39 other criminals were arrested, while 4 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them, while the sum of $4,500.00 was recovered from a criminal as a proceed from the sale of rustled cows.

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 19 – 23 January 2026, troops conducted several offensive operations in Donga, Takum, Wukari, Sardauna and Kurmi LGAs of Taraba State as well as Guma, Otukpo, Katsina Ala, Ukum and Apa LGAs of Benue State.

Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Yagba West, Lokoja and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Kogi State as well as Ifelodun and Ekiti LGAs of Kwara State.

Others are Obi and Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.

During the operations, troops arrested 11 suspected kidnappers, while 6 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered from them.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE

In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers States, troops foiled significant oil theft during the week.

Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.

Relatedly, between 1 – 15 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations in Oshimili North and Yenagoa LGAs of Delta and Bayelsa States respectively.

During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspects, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.

JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA

 Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations and rescued 8 Cameroonian nationals earlier kidnapped by sea pirates at Ikang waterways in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. 

Three criminals were also arrested in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State.

Similarly, about 80 Militants presented themselves to troops with their arms and ammunition for amnesty at Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State.

The militants were reported to belong to 2 camps headed by Thankgod Ebikontei (aka Ayibanuagha) Camp and John Isaac (aka Akpokolo) militant fighters camp.

In the role of the media in tackling the ongoing security challenges, General Onoja noted that the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the vital role of the media as strategic partners in national security.

He therefore stressed the need for accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting, which he said remains essential in countering misinformation, sustaining public confidence, and supporting ongoing operations.

He called for continued professionalism and restraint in reportage, particularly on sensitive operational matters.

“The Armed Forces deeply appreciate the unwavering support of the Nigerian people, whose cooperation, timely information, and trust remain critical to operational success.

“As operations continue across all theatres, the military remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.