Troops Conduct Successful Offensive Fighting Patrol Clearance Operations, Rapid Response Missions Across Theatre Of Operations
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that during the period of 7 – 12 March 2026, despite some challenges, troops deployed in the operational theaters conducted a series of successful offensive patrols, fighting patrols, clearance operations, and rapid response missions across all theatre of operations.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, made this revelation on Friday, in Abuja, during a press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the period of 7 to 12 March, 2026.
He noted that these operations targeted terrorist enclaves, criminal hideouts, kidnapping networks, illegal refining activities, and other threats to national stability. The activities of troops in the theaters is as follows:
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive and unrelenting kinetic campaign against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorist, through coordinated operations and enhanced intelligence gathering.
Troops significantly curtailed terrorists’ freedom of movement while disrupting critical logistical lifelines through seamless collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, local hunters, and hybrid forces supporting ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. Between 7 and 11 March 2026, troops exerted sustained operational pressure on terrorist across the theatre.
Several attacks were successfully repelled despite some operational challenges. Nonetheless, key terrorist operatives were arrested including logistics suppliers, tax collectors, informants and economic saboteurs, while abducted civilians were rescued and illicit fuel supplies intended to sustain insurgent operations were intercepted.
Three suspected logistics suppliers in Kanama were intercepted while a terrorist tax collector in Kafiya Village was arrested, both in Geidam LGA of Yobe State on 7 March 2026. On 9 March 2026, troops recovered arms caches following the successful repulsion of terrorist attacks in Mafa and Jere LGAs of Borno State.
Additionally, troops decisively repelled simultaneous terrorist assaults on FOB Tuba and Doro Baga on 10 March 2026, demonstrating superior defensive coordination and combat readiness.
- On 11 March 2026, troops executed an ambush at Mantamaleri in Konduga LGA of Borno State, neutralizing two terrorists. In Adamawa State, troops responded swiftly to distress calls from Madagali and Maiha LGAs, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped victims and the seizure of 23 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for terrorist use.
Within these period, fourteen (14) additional terrorists surrendered to troops, further increasing the cumulative total to 122,843 insurgents who have surrendered under Operation HADIN KAI, since creation of Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in 2015.
On 11 March 2026 troops of Sector 2 in Goniri, Yobe State, supported by close air support from the Air Component, successfully repelled a coordinated multi-directional night attack launched by terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
During the engagement, troops neutralized over 20 terrorists, including the high-value target Abu Yusu, identified as the Munzir of Dursula. Several terrorist corpses, weapons, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), and ammunition were recovered at the scene. Troops retained full control of the area and immediately commenced clearance and pursuit operations across surrounding communities to prevent any attempted regrouping by fleeing insurgents.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued to deliver decisive and precise strikes against terrorists operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
Troops have systematically dismantled terrorist logistics networks while safeguarding communities and critical infrastructure from violent attacks and criminal activities. Between 7 and 12 March 2026, troops conducted a series of successful operations based on credible intelligence and community tip-offs.
These operations led to the interception of arms concealed in commercial vehicles, the neutralization of terrorists in cleared enclaves, the repulsion of probing attacks, the foiling of armed robberies along major highways, and the arrest of several terrorist logistics suppliers and cattle rustlers. One of the key engagements occurred on 7 March 2026, when troops on offensive patrol along the Abuja–Kaduna Road engaged terrorists within the Mpape-Kuyeri Forest, located along the border of Bwari Area Council of the FCT and Kaduna State.
During the operation, troops successfully rescued victims who had been abducted by kidnappers from Idah and Kubwa communities.
- Significantly, on 8 March 2026, troops discovered and destroyed a terrorist enclave belonging to the Lakurawa group in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State. Further success was recorded on 9 March 2026, when troops acting on credible intelligence arrested suspected terrorists in Shanono LGA of Kano State, recovering rustled cattle in their possession.
On the same day, troops conducting clearance operations in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State neutralized a terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle. In a follow-up operation at Dagozawa Village, troops intercepted fleeing terrorists and recovered additional AK-47 rifles and communication equipment, further weakening the operational capacity of the criminal group.
On 10 March 2026, in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, troops repelled a probing terrorist attack, forcing the assailants to retreat in disarray, after which a snap roadblock mounted in neighbouring Kaura Namoda LGA led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition concealed in a bag of millet.
The same day, at the Yankara border between Zamfara and Katsina States, troops intercepted and arrested a suspected ammunition courier, Mannir Adam of Yankuzo village in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, who was travelling on a motorcycle from Unguwar Bawa in Saminaka LGA of Kaduna State toward Kucheri village.
A search revealed several rounds of live ammunition hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank and the suspect was subsequently handed over to the Zamfara State Police CID for investigation. In a related effort to disrupt terrorist logistics, troops operating in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State apprehended 15 suspected logistics suppliers at illegal fuel distribution points, recovering nine motorcycles and 19 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended to sustain terrorist operations. Furthermore, on 11 March 2026, troops responding to a distress call in Sabon Tungar Village, Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, reinforced by local vigilantes, engaged the attackers, neutralized several terrorists, and successfully repelled the invasion.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD continued to intensify counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Kwara and Niger States, extending their operational presence into forested corridors and border communities known to harbour criminal and terrorist elements.
Troops maintained pressure on these elements, disrupting their activities and enhancing the security of vulnerable communities.
These operations resulted in the neutralization of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms and mobility assets used by criminal groups, further degrading their operational capacity.
A notable incident occurred on 7 March 2026, when troops deployed at the Lafiagi Patrol Base acted swiftly on a report of a kidnapping incident at Nda Kansa Community in Edu LGA of Kwara State.
Responding rapidly, troops moved to the location and engaged the kidnappers with firepower. The kidnappers abandoned their captive and fled in disarray into nearby forested terrain.
The rescued victim was safely evacuated to the Lafiagi Patrol Base for further medical attention and debriefing. In another operation on 8 March 2026, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, in collaboration with members of the local vigilante group, responded to a distress call regarding ongoing kidnapping activities in Chita Community, Edu LGA of Kwara State. During the engagement, four terrorists were neutralized, while troops recovered assault weapons and motorcycles used by the criminal group.
Troops also successfully rescued four kidnapped victims, who were subsequently reunited with their families. Similarly, on 9 March 2026, troops in Pategi LGA of Kwara State successfully rescued two victims who had been kidnapped earlier in the month.
Following the rescue operation, the victims were safely reunited with their families after preliminary medical checks and debriefing procedures.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained operations across Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States, maintaining a strong operational presence in vulnerable communities and key transit corridors.
On 7 March 2026, troops made contact with terrorists around Kukawa–Wanka Village in Wase LGA of Plateau State. During the encounter, troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon a victim who had earlier been kidnapped at Digare Village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State last month.
The victim was successfully rescued, while the terrorists fled into nearby terrain, In a related development on 8 March 2026, troops deployed at Sanga, operating from Ungwan Gora checkpoint forced criminals to abandon their mission and flee the area. One victim was rescued during the operation and the road was subsequently cleared to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of commuters and commercial traffic.
- Further operational success was recorded on 9 March 2026, when troops in Riyom LGA of Plateau State, rescued four women from unidentified hoodlums. During the operation, two suspects were arrested and two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered. Similarly, in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, troops apprehended a violent herder who had assaulted a local farmer, demonstrating the continued enforcement of law and order and the protection of farming communities within the area.
Also, on 11 March 2026, troops intercepted a commercial trailer at a checkpoint in Tafawa LGA of Bauchi State carrying 802 bags of granular ammonium sulphate, a substance known to be used in the production of explosives. Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the movement of the material.
Additionally, on 11 March 2026, troops operating in Jos East LGA of Plateau State arrested a suspected drug peddler, recovering a large quantity of illicit substances (cannabis) along with some amount of cash.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained robust security operations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States, addressing security challenges including farmer – herder conflicts, banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling within the Joint Operations Area.
On 9 March 2026, troops in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State made contact with suspected terrorists, overpowered the criminals and neutralizing two terrorists.
Following the encounter, troops recovered AK-47 rifle, magazines, assorted ammunition, a motorcycle, 82 SIM cards and multiple Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards belonging to different financial institutions.
The recovered items are currently being examined as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the wider criminal network operating in the area.
On 9 March 2026, troops responded swiftly to a distress call regarding cattle rustling activities in Otukpo LGA of Benue State.
On sighting the advancing troops, the armed suspects abandoned their loot and fled into nearby terrain.
During the follow-up search of the area, troops recovered two motorcycles, three locally fabricated rifles, cartridges, machetes and quantities of hard drugs, further disrupting the operations of the criminal group.
Additionally, on 10 March 2026, troops encountered a terrorist ambush while conducting security operations in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State.
Troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the criminals to retreat in disarray. Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a logistics vehicle loaded with food items, believed to be supplies intended to sustain criminal operations within the surrounding forested areas.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued to intensify security operations aimed at combating criminality, protecting critical national infrastructure, and denying criminal elements freedom of action within the region.
On 7 March 2026, troops conducted a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Ukwuani LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops arrested two suspects and recovered arms and ammunition, thereby disrupting the activities of the criminal network operating within the area.
The arrested suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to determine their involvement in other criminal activities in the area.
In a related development on 10 March 2026, troops conducted a clearance operation in collaboration with local hunters within the Egoro Forest in Etsako West LGA of Edo State. During the operation, troops neutralized three suspected kidnappers.
Following the engagement, troops recovered AK-47 rifle magazines, mobile phones and cutlasses, believed to have been used by the criminal group in carrying out kidnapping and other violent activities within the forested area.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA targeted criminal elements associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
These sustained operations are aimed at restoring normalcy to affected communities, securing key transportation routes, and dismantling criminal infrastructure used by dissident groups within the theatre.
On 7 March 2026, troops conducted an offensive route clearance operation along the Eketutu – Uda axis in the Orsu general area of Orsu LGA of Imo State.
The route had remained largely abandoned for 3 years due to the persistent activities of IPOB/ESN criminal elements in the area. During the operation, troops discovered eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) strategically planted along the route.
The devices were carefully disconnected and safely destroyed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, thereby preventing potential harm to civilians and security personnel. Troops also recovered magazines loaded with ammunition during the operation. Similarly, on 8 March 2026, in continuation of the ongoing offensive operations in the Orsu – Eketutu general area, troops conducted further route clearance along the Eketutu – Uda road in Orsu LGA of Imo State.
During the operation, three additional IEDs were detonated along the Eketutu Market axis, highlighting the persistent attempts by criminal elements to disrupt movement and economic activities within the community.
The clearance operation significantly improved access and safety along the previously contested route. Additionally,
on 11 March 2026, troops sustained efforts to combat economic sabotage and illegal oil activities within the region. During an operation in Egbema West LGA of Imo State, troops discovered and dismantled three illegal refining sites.
The operation resulted in the destruction and recovery of 32 cooking drums, one 5,000-litre metal storage tank.
The operation dealt a significant blow to illegal refining networks that continue to undermine national economic resources and environmental safety.
In conclusion, Major General Onoja stated further that the successes recorded across the various theatres during the reporting period despite some challenges highlight the courage, professionalism, and resilience of the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who remain resolute in the defence of the nation.
Similarly, the military high command assures Nigerians that despite a few challenges, the ongoing operations will continue to be intensified in order to completely dismantle the remaining pockets of criminal and terrorist elements threatening peace and national development.
The Armed Forces also reaffirm their commitment to working in synergy with other security agencies, local authorities, and communities to sustain the momentum in restoring lasting stability across the country.
On the other hand, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, extends his profound appreciation to the general public for their unrelenting cooperation and timely provision of credible information, which continues to play a vital role in the success of ongoing military operations.
He also commends the dedication and sacrifices of troops across all theatres and reassures them of the military leadership’s continued commitment to their welfare, morale, and operational support.
Furthermore, the Chief of Defence Staff expresses sincere appreciation to the Fourth Estate of the Realm (the media) for their professionalism and sustained support in disseminating accurate and responsible information to the public, thereby contributing significantly to national security and public awareness.
He also extends condolences to all who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation and reiterate that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
