The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that Nigerian troops made significant operational gains in February, arresting 312 suspected terrorists, rescuing 409 hostages, and facilitating the voluntary surrender of 46 insurgents and their families. ENigeria Newspaper gathered.
Major-General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced the figures during a press briefing on Friday, emphasizing the armed forces’ commitment to safeguarding civilians and national assets.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awatiwal-Jihad (JAS) factions. Joint efforts with hybrid forces, local hunters, and the Civilian Joint Task Force disrupted terrorist movements, logistics, and operational capabilities.
A notable engagement took place in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where terrorists equipped with gun trucks, motorcycles, and five drones launched an assault. Troops successfully repelled the attack, neutralized several insurgents, and seized weapons and a stretcher, according to Maj.-Gen. Onoja.
In Yobe State, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up carrying vehicle parts and fabrics destined for Boko Haram, along with a truck transporting 460 bags of fertilizer. Additionally, 42 illegal miners were apprehended in Gulani LGA, disrupting activities believed to fund insurgency operations.
The North-West also recorded substantial gains through Operation FANSAN YAMMA, covering Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. Combining ground operations, air support, and real-time intelligence, troops neutralized several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects, and rescued 251 hostages.
On 21 February, troops successfully rescued 21 individuals abducted from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa LGA, Katsina State, two days after their kidnapping, handing them over safely to state authorities.
In Plateau State, under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops continued addressing terrorism, kidnapping, and ethno-religious tensions. Multiple raids led to the neutralization of terrorists, the arrest of 29 criminals, the rescue of 22 hostages, and the recovery of arms, reflecting coordinated responses with air and security units.
Meanwhile, in the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft efforts, dismantling 32 illegal refining sites, recovering 144,050 litres of crude oil, 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), arresting 59 suspects, and rescuing hostages. Maritime and land components worked alongside other security agencies to dismantle processing equipment and protect national resources.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja stressed that these combined efforts demonstrate the Nigerian military’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives, securing communities, and safeguarding critical national assets across the country.
