By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s war against terrorism, and violent crime entered a decisive phase last week as the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) unleashed coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across all six geopolitical zones, neutralising scores of terrorists, dismantling major criminal enclaves and rescuing dozens of abducted civilians.
The sweeping military offensive, detailed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, covered the period January 31 to February 8, 2026, and underscored what defence authorities described as a renewed push to choke terror networks, reclaim communities and restore public confidence nationwide.
Opening the weekly operational briefing in Abuja, Onoja said the Armed Forces remained “unwaveringly focused” on protecting lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity, stressing that all operations were conducted within the ambit of the rule of law.
He conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, to the government and people of Kwara State over the killings in Woro and Nuku villages, Kaiama Local Government Area, assuring that perpetrators would be hunted down and brought to justice.
NORTH EAST:
In the North East, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI delivered some of the heaviest blows to Boko Haram and ISWAP in recent months.
According to Onoja, a major breakthrough occurred in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, where troops engaged terrorists around Kimba in Damboa LGA, Borno State.
In a fierce firefight, over 20 terrorists were killed, including a high-value Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, long wanted for attacks along the Gujba axis.
The offensive momentum continued in Gwoza, Ngazai, Bama, Biu, Damboa, Dikwa, Jere and Kaga LGAs of Borno, as well as Hong, Madagali and Mubi North LGAs of Adamawa State, where scores of terrorists were neutralised, 13 arrested, and 12 kidnapped victims rescued.
In one of the most chilling discoveries of the week, troops uncovered and destroyed three massive terrorist detention camps hidden within forested areas linking Damboa and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States. The facilities, according to Onoja, had the capacity to hold up to 300 captives at a time.
During the clearance operation, troops killed over 30 terrorists and rescued 70 hostages, effectively collapsing a major terror infrastructure.
Air power also played a decisive role. Armed reconnaissance missions detected five suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) trucks along Road Marguna in Kaga LGA. Precision airstrikes obliterated the vehicles and their occupants.
Amid the sustained security push, stability gains translated into humanitarian progress.
Onoja confirmed that a second batch of about 700 Nigerian refugees was safely repatriated from Cameroon through the Banki border in Bama LGA on January 31, under heavy military protection.
NORTH WEST:
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working with the Office of the National Security Adviser, stormed Garin Dandi in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, a known terrorist stronghold.
Scores of terrorists were neutralised, camps destroyed, and 10 kidnapped victims rescued during withdrawal.
Operations extended across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger States and the FCT, leading to further neutralization of terrorists, the arrest of 19 suspects, and the rescue of 13 abductees.
Following the deadly attack on Woro village, the military, acting on a presidential directive, launched Operation SAVANAH SHIELD, a new special operation carved out of FANSAN YAMMA to flush out terrorist enclaves in Kwara and Niger States.
NORTH CENTRAL:
In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE clashed with terrorists across Mangu, Riyom, Bokkos, Jos North, Bassa, Quaan Pan and Wase LGAs, killing several attackers, arresting 16 criminals, and rescuing five victims.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded gains in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kwara States, arresting 16 extremists, rescuing 17 kidnapped victims, and recovering arms, motorcycles and ammunition.
Following an attack in Kwande LGA, Benue, troops established a heavy security presence and launched aggressive clearance operations to stabilise the area.
SOUTH SOUTH:
In the oil-rich Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled large-scale crude oil theft, destroyed seven illegal refining sites, arrested nine oil thieves, and recovered weapons.
Further operations in Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States led to the arrest of 24 suspects and the rescue of a kidnapped victim.
SOUTH EAST:
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA struck across Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, arresting 23 terrorists, rescuing six abducted victims, and recovering arms and ammunition.
Major General Onoja said the operations resulted in the recovery of automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, IED-making materials, ammunition and logistics equipment, dealing a major blow to criminal networks nationwide.
He said the CDS commended the courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops and urged citizens to continue supporting security forces with timely information.
“Our objective remains clear,” Onoja declared. “To dismantle threats, secure communities and ensure every Nigerian can live and thrive without fear.”
As the guns fell silent across multiple theatres, the message from Defence Headquarters was unmistakable: the Armed Forces are tightening the noose and the war on terror is far from over.
