Troops Sustain Operational Dominance Over Terrorists, Insurgents, Other Criminal Elements – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that
through well-coordinated joint operations, enhanced intelligence-driven missions, and sustained inter-agency collaboration, troops across the various Joint Task Forces maintained operational dominance over terrorists, insurgents, and other criminal elements, resulting in the neutralization, arrest, and disruption of multiple threats, as well as the recovery and destruction of arms, ammunition, and illicit logistics networks.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, made the remarks during a press briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for the period of 20 – 26 March, 2026.
Major General Onoja noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the strategic leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, has continued to record significant operational successes across all theatres within the period under review.
The activities of troops in the theatres are as follows:
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive and unrelenting kinetic campaign against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists through coordinated operations and enhanced intelligence-led activities across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, and Gombe States.
On 20 March 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist spy at an excavation site in K10 guard post, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) of Borno State, recovered a mobile phone, power bank, wristwatch, bracelet, and cash.
Also on 20 March 2026, a suspected armed dealer was arrested in Donga LGA of Taraba State following intelligence on an ongoing arms transaction, with the suspect currently in custody for interrogation.
On 21 March 2026, troops at FOB Wukari conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Wukari LGA of Taraba State, recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine.
On 22 March 2026, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and an empty magazine along Maiduguri–Gubio Road in MMC, Borno State, after a suspected logistics supplier fled on sighting troops.
On 23 March 26, two suspected terrorist informants were arrested at Kaffa Bridge in Damboa LGA of Borno State, with the recovery of two bicycles, charms, and cash, while another suspected logistics supplier was arrested in Benisheikh, Kaga LGA.
Additionally, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Mubi LGA of Adamawa State linked to a previous attack in Ngoshe.
On 25 March 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier at Kadau Village in Kaga LGA of Borno State, recovered motorcycle spare parts including 11 brake liners, 4 carburettors, 17 spark plugs, one crankshaft, 18 cable wires, 8 clutch handles, 3 packets of oil seals, and a bunch of springs.
On 26 March 2026, troops responded to intelligence within MMC, Borno State, recovered one AK-47 rifle and an empty magazine after a suspect fled, while troops in conjunction with CJTF arrested a suspected terrorist informant at Shauri in Kaga LGA of Borno State,.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued precise strikes against terrorists operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, systematically dismantling terrorist logistics networks while safeguarding communities and critical infrastructure.
On 20 March 2026, troops supported by air assets, engaged terrorists at Maberaya Village, Isa LGA of Sokoto State, following offensive operations through Bafarawa and surrounding villages.
During the engagement, troops destroyed a terrorist support structure and terrorist fled in disarray.
On 21 March 2026, troops arrested a wanted terrorist ammunition courier at Ahokon Village, Koton Karfe LGA of Kogi State, the suspect was shot on the thigh while attempting to flee and is currently in custody for investigation.
Furthermore, on 23 March 2026, troops of FOB Masalachi neutralized one terrorist and recovered two AK-47 rifles and ammunition alongside with a motorcycle during an ambush operation at Magonho Forest, Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State.
On the same date, troops responding to a terrorist attack on Kadida Village, Tangaza LGA, neutralised one additional terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle.
On 25 March 2026, in Kibiya, Kano State, Troops in conjunction with DSS operatives rescued the Secretary of Kibiya LGA, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, from a forest hideout, arresting two suspects and recovered one AK-47 rifle.
On 25 March 2026, troops deployed in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, sprung an ambush along the Gada Maya–Makakari Road, neutralising two terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, mobile phones, communication equipment, and one motorcycle.
Clearance operations on 25 March 2026 at Dutsi Village, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, by troops forced terrorist to flee in disarray which resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Additionally, troops in conjunction with other security agencies, have intensified clearance and stabilization operations across terrorist-affected areas of Kebbi State, creating a secure environment for the resumption of farming activities.
The improved security posture has enabled displaced communities to safely return to their homes.
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 operational reach into forested corridors and border communities known to harbour criminal and terrorist elements.
On 22 March 2026, terrorists attacked Ora-Ago Community in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, storming an ECWA Church during service and abducting nine worshippers; troops in conjunction with local vigilantes and Forest Guard operatives responded swiftly, rescuing three victims, while efforts remain ongoing to secure the release of the remaining hostages and apprehend the perpetrators.
On the same date, troops arrested a suspect conveying explosive and IED materials along the Wawa-Dabar Woko Road in Borgu LGA of Niger State, with the suspect claiming the items were intended for mining, while a bridge along the Wawa-Luma Road in the same LGA was confirmed destroyed by terrorists to disrupt troops resupply routes.
On 23 March 2026, troops in conjunction with Kwara State Forest Guard operatives arrested six suspected terrorists during a stop-and-search operation at Oke Onigbin in Isin LGA of Kwara State, recovering one locally-made pistol, ammunition, cutlasses, and local charms.
Sustained operations continued across the theatre with significant outcomes.
On 25 March 2026, troops discovered an IED along the Wawa–Babanna Road in Borgu LGA of Niger State, which was successfully detonated by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, after which troops continued offensive operations at Luma Village in the same LGA.
On 26 March 2026, troops discovered an illegal mining processing site at Luma Village in Borgu LGA of Niger State and arrested seven illegal miners, including four foreign nationals from Niger Republic.
All suspects were moved to Wawa Cantonment for further investigation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained robust security operations across Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory, maintaining a strong operational presence in vulnerable communities and key transit corridors.
On 20 March 2026, troops raided identified criminal hideouts at Angwan Yama and Kasua in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, arresting nine suspects found in possession of illicit drugs.
On 21 March 2026, troops responded to a reported kidnap incident at Zabir Village in Jos East LGA of Plateau State and successfully rescued the victim after the abductors fled on sighting troops.
Also on 23 March 2026, troops rescued a kidnapped victim at Mangar Community in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State after terrorists fled in disarray.
Sustained operations on 24 March 2026 led to the interception and rescue of two kidnapped victims along the Adankolo-Mosalaci Boka Road in Kabba LGA of Kogi State, as well as the rescue of another victim along the Rafin Sanyi-Hawan Kibo highway in Riyom LGA of Plateau State after terrorists were forced to withdraw.
Troops also neutralized one terrorist during a contact engagement at Owara Community in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State and recovered two AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition.
On 26 March 2026, troops deployed in Gyambwas responded to a kidnap incident at Vokti Village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State and rescued one victim, while the terrorists fled.
On the same date, troops deployed at Tse Utsaha conducted a cordon-and-search operation at Agasha in Guma LGA of Benue State, arrested three suspected terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, ammunition, one Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, 10 sachets of alcohol, and charms.
Additionally, on 26 March 2026, troops in conjunction with vigilantes and the Nigeria Forest Security Service, arrested one suspected terrorist during offensive operations at Okpella Forest in Etsako East LGA of Edo State, within the boundary areas of Kogi and Edo States, the suspect remains in custody for further interrogation.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE sustained security operations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States, addressing security challenges including farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping, and cattle rustling within the Joint Operations Area.
On 23 March 2026, troops deployed at FOB Bilawa-Jor conducted a fighting patrol within Mbapa and Mbabuande in Gwer West LGA of Benue State, during which they made contact with terrorist.
Troops neutralised one terrorist, and arrested four additional suspects.
On 23 March 2026, troops deployed at FOB Otukpo conducted a fighting patrol to a suspected terrorist enclave at Amla Icho, Otukpo LGA of Benue State, where five suspects were apprehended and six locally fabricated guns, one motorcycle, three machetes, and six mobile phones were recovered.
Also on 23 March 2026, troops at Zongo-Akiki responded to reports of cattle rustling at Mbalagh, Makurdi LGA, Benue State, apprehended three suspects who were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Daudu Division, for further action.
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 Niger Delta region and adjoining states.
On 22 March 2026, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper at the Fertilizer area in Etsako East LGA of Edo State, with the suspect currently in custody for further investigation.
On 23 March 2026, troops discovered an illegal refining site at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State, recovered two illegal refining site including one large drum oven, one receiver, one reservoir containing approximately 1,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 500 metres of galvanised pipes, and 150 metres of hose.
On the same date, troops intercepted a tricycle at Ndoni Junction in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA) of Rivers State conveying approximately 600 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum product, apprehended the rider, and handled the exhibits in line with operational directives.
Sustained operations on 24 March 2026 led to the arrest of one suspect at Ekukulena Community in Ikom LGA of Cross River State in possession of a locally-made pistol concealed in a bag, while additional anti-illegal oil bunkering operations at Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State resulted in the deactivation of one illegal refinery site and the recovery of about 125 litres of illegally refined AGO.
On the same date, troops intercepted a black Lexus GX470 SUV along the Bonny-Bodo Road in Bonny LGA of Rivers State carrying 58 sacks containing approximately 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.
On 25 March 2026, troops conducted anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in Orashi National Forest in Abua/Odual LGA of Rivers State, where two large drum ovens, one large coolant, a galvanized pipe measuring approximately 15 metres, a hose measuring about 50 metres, and one waste pit were discovered and handled appropriately.
On 26 March 2026, troops while on patrol at Eghonk Forest in Agbede, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, arrested one suspected kidnapper and was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
Troops of Operation UDO KA continued to target criminal elements associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), sustaining pressure on their operational capabilities across the South-East geo-political zone.
On 22 March 2026, troops conducted clearance operations in Orsumoghu extending towards the Badanya axis in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, during which five Improvised Explosive Devices were encountered and successfully detonated, while troops cleared the general area and continued their advance along Badanya Road.
On 23 March 2026, troops conducted a snap checkpoint at Ekukulena Community in Ikom LGA of Cross River State, arresting one suspected criminal in possession of a locally-made pistol and a mobile phone, with efforts ongoing to apprehend his associate.
On the same date, troops deployed at Egbema West carried out anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, where one major illegal refining site was discovered and destroyed, with items including 35 cooking drums, eight reservoirs containing about 5,000 litres of illegally refined AGO/DPK, 75 sacks containing about 5,000 litres of siphoned crude, and 225 sacks containing about 13,000 litres of illegally refined AGO/DPK destroyed, bringing the total volume to approximately 23,000 litres.
In conclusion, Major General Onoja stated that the cumulative successes recorded across Operations reflect not only the effectiveness of ongoing military strategies but also the growing synergy among the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and local stakeholders in addressing the complex security challenges facing the nation.
According to him, the sustained pressure on criminal elements has continued to degrade their operational capabilities and restore confidence among the populace.
He conveyed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, profound appreciation to all personnel of the Armed Forces for their sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty.
He also commended the invaluable support of other security agencies, the media, and the general public, whose cooperation remains critical to operational success.
The CDS reassures Nigerians of the military’s continued resolve to sustain the ongoing offensives until all threats to peace and national security are decisively neutralised, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
