By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have unleashed a blistering, multi-theatre offensive across the country in February, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting hundreds of suspects, rescuing kidnapped victims and dismantling criminal supply chains in what military authorities describe as a sustained, intelligence-driven crackdown on insecurity.
At a high-stakes monthly press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, declared that troops maintained “aggressive, coordinated land, air and maritime operations” throughout the month targeting, terrorists, kidnappers and oil thieves across all operational theatres.
From the embattled North-East to the creeks of the Niger Delta and the forests of the North-West, the message was unmistakable: pressure has intensified.
NORTH-EAST
Under Operation HADIN KAI, troops sustained relentless offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS factions.
February operations saw the neutralization of multiple fighters, the arrest of 85 suspects, surrender of 46 terrorists and their families, and the rescue of 104 kidnapped victims.
In Kukawa LGA of Borno State, terrorists armed with gun trucks, motorcycles and five drones attempted a daring assault, but were met with what officials described as “overwhelming firepower.”
Several terrorists were killed, weapons recovered and the attackers forced into retreat.
Troops also intercepted logistics bound for terrorists, including a vehicle loaded with supplies and 460 bags of fertilizer in Yobe State choking off critical supply routes.
Precision air-land strikes along infiltration corridors, including routes linked to the Cameroon axis, further destroyed camps and drone launch hubs, tightening the noose around insurgent networks.
NORTH-WEST
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA combined air interdictions with ground assaults to devastating effect.
Troops rescued 251 kidnapped victims, arrested 36 suspects and neutralised several terrorists.
A dramatic rescue unfolded in Musawa LGA of Katsina State, where 21 abducted victims were freed days after their capture.
Military sources said arms caches were intercepted across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto States, crippling terrorists logistics.
Agro-security patrols were also launched to protect farmers and herders, an effort aimed at cutting off recruitment pipelines exploited by criminal gangs.
NORTH-CENTRAL
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE and allied missions, troops intensified forest incursions across Niger, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi States.
Along the Kainji-Kwimo road in Niger State, fierce engagements led to the neutralization of terrorists and recovery of weapons.
In Taraba, a key suspect was arrested with arms and over N2.4 million in cash, a blow to criminal financing.
In Plateau State, under Operation ENDURING PEACE, rapid deployments quelled farmer-herder clashes in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs, restoring calm through dominance patrols and coordinated enforcement.
NIGER DELTA
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled 32 illegal refining sites and recovered over 144,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 31,601 litres of AGO.
A joint raid in Cross River State led to the arrest of suspected gunrunners and the recovery of locally fabricated pistols, ammunition and weapons-making tools.
SOUTH-EAST:
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA intensified crackdowns on dissident elements, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
Troops stormed a suspected logistics hub. Terrorists opened fire but were overpowered and forced into retreat.
Battle assessments indicate multiple casualties among the attackers, while 54 suspects were arrested during broader February operations.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Beyond kinetic strikes, the military said it integrated humanitarian outreach, infrastructure support and community dialogue to build resilience and encourage voluntary returns of displaced persons.
Officials stressed strict adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards, underscoring discipline within the ranks.
As Ramadan and Lent commence, the Armed Forces urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via emergency line 193.
On behalf of the Service Chiefs, General Oluyede commended troops for their sacrifices and thanked Nigerians for intelligence support, pledging that operations will intensify until lasting peace is secured.
February’s battlefield tally paints a picture of coordinated, nationwide pressure, a signal that the military is determined to consolidate gains, choke terror financing and reclaim ungoverned spaces.
In the words of the briefing: united in purpose, Nigeria will prevail.
