Nigeria’s military says intensified nationwide operations in February led to the arrest of 312 suspected terrorists and the rescue of 409 hostages, as security forces continued to pressure insurgent and criminal groups across multiple regions.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also reported that 46 insurgents and their family members voluntarily surrendered during the period.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said troops “neutralized scores of terrorists” through coordinated land and air offensives.
In the North-East, under Operation HADIN KAI, troops targeted Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS with support from hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters. A major confrontation in Kukawa LGA, Borno State, saw troops repel attackers using gun trucks, motorcycles, and drones, seizing weapons and equipment in the process.
On February 23, troops intercepted logistics supplies intended for insurgents, including a pick-up with vehicle parts and fabrics, and a truck carrying 460 bags of fertilizer in Yobe State. Forty-two illegal miners were also apprehended, disrupting activities that fund insurgency.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West, troops in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara combined ground and air operations to neutralize terrorists, arrest 36 suspects, and rescue 251 hostages. Notably, 21 abducted victims in Musawa LGA, Katsina State, were rescued on February 21 and returned safely.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE targeted terrorism, kidnapping, and ethno-religious violence, leading to the neutralization of several criminals, arrest of 29 suspects, and rescue of 22 hostages along with recovered arms.
Meanwhile, in the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified efforts against oil theft. Security forces arrested 59 suspects, recovered over 144,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,601 litres of AGO, and dismantled 32 illegal refining sites.
The military high command reiterated that sustained joint operations aim to degrade terrorist capabilities, dismantle criminal networks, and restore stability nationwide.
