Nigeria’s Military Reports Gains Against Insurgents and Criminals in February Operations
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters reports significant results from its multi-front military operations in February, including the neutralisation of numerous terrorists, the arrest of hundreds of suspects, and the rescue of hundreds of kidnapping victims across the country.
According to Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents. He stated that joint efforts with hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters have effectively disrupted the mobility and logistics of Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) factions. Notable interceptions included a Toyota pick-up with supplies for Boko Haram and a truck carrying 460 bags of fertilizer in Yobe State. The operation also led to the arrest of 42 illegal miners, disrupting a funding stream for insurgency. These actions, Gen. Onoja said, have contributed to the safe return of displaced persons and economic revitalisation.
In the South-South region, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified anti-oil theft measures. Troops arrested 59 criminals, rescued hostages, and recovered 144,050 litres of crude oil. Additionally, 31,601 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered, and 32 illegal refining sites were destroyed through coordinated efforts of maritime and land components with other security agencies.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West (covering Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara) combined ground manoeuvres, air interdiction, and intelligence to maintain operational superiority. The operation neutralised several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects, and rescued 251 hostages. Interdicting arms caches has reduced ambushes and raids. Gen. Onoja highlighted the introduction of agro-security patrols to protect farmlands and mitigate herder-farmer conflicts exploited by criminals, alongside infrastructure repairs aimed at deterring youth recruitment and addressing insecurity’s root causes.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE addressed terrorism, kidnapping, and ethno-religious tensions. Troops neutralised terrorists, arrested 29 criminals, and rescued 22 hostages in coordinated raids. Swift interventions in several communities quelled farmer-herder clashes through dominance patrols. The operation also incorporated youth empowerment programs, including vocational training in agriculture and conflict resolution, to prevent radicalisation and foster peaceful coexistence.
The military’s February summary underscores a strategy blending kinetic action with community engagement and economic initiatives across Nigeria’s volatile regions, aiming to degrade criminal networks while building local resilience.
