Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Rescue 251 Hostages, Arrest 85 Suspects in February – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says Nigerian troops neutralised scores of terrorists, rescued 251 hostages and arrested 85 suspects during coordinated operations across the country in February 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in Abuja. He commended Nigerians for providing credible intelligence that supported successful operations and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through approved emergency channels.
Onoja said the Armed Forces sustained intensive multi-domain operations throughout the month, combining kinetic actions with non-kinetic initiatives such as humanitarian support, infrastructure interventions and community engagement to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities. He assured that all operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian standards, rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
North-East Operations
In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad factions. Working with the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, forces carried out coordinated ground and air operations across Borno and Yobe States.
Within the period, troops neutralised terrorists, arrested suspects, facilitated the surrender of insurgents and their families, and rescued kidnapped victims. Several arms, ammunition and logistics supplies were recovered. Major engagements were recorded in Kukawa (Borno), Bade and Gulani (Yobe), while sustained offensives across Abadam, Bama, Damboa, Damaturu and Geidam further degraded insurgent capabilities and disrupted supply routes, including corridors linked to the Cameroon axis.
North-West and North-Central
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant successes across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, leading to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspects and rescue of 251 hostages. Notably, 21 abducted victims were rescued from Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State on February 21.
Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in the North-Central, clearance operations in Kwara, Niger and Plateau States led to arrests, rescues and recovery of weapons. Swift responses also helped curb communal clashes and improve security for farming and commerce.
Other Theatres
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi States, recorded breakthroughs against banditry and kidnapping, including the arrest of key logistics suppliers and recovery of arms and cash.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft operations, arresting dozens of suspects, dismantling illegal refining sites and recovering large volumes of stolen crude oil and refined products. In Cross River State, joint operations with the Department of State Services led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners and recovery of locally fabricated weapons and ammunition.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA sustained actions against dissident elements, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Operations across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States led to arrests, rescues and the neutralisation of several fighters, alongside community outreach and medical support programmes.
Call for Vigilance
Concluding the briefing, Major General Onoja said the achievements of February 2026 reflect the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to national security. He thanked citizens for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance, especially as Ramadan and Lent begin. He called on Nigerians to remain security conscious, report suspicious activities via the emergency line 193, and collaborate with security agencies to ensure peaceful celebrations nationwide.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would sustain operational momentum, consolidate gains and remain resolute in creating a secure environment where citizens can live and thrive in peace.
