Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, on Friday laid bare the full breadth of Nigeria’s military campaign in January 2026, revealing a month-long blitz across all theatres that left terrorists neutralised, criminal networks shattered, kidnapped victims freed and illegal oil operations crippled.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, the DDMO boss said the update was part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous engagement with the media and the Nigerian public.
Gen Onoja said the January operations reflected the professionalism, resilience, and sacrifices of troops operating under extremely challenging conditions to safeguard lives, property and critical national assets across the country.
He described the media as critical partners in national security, noting that accurate and responsible reportage has continued to boost public confidence and collective security efforts.
According to him, recent media tours also gave journalists firsthand insight into the realities faced by troops and local communities in conflict zones.
Presenting a nationwide operational summary, the DDMO disclosed that within the month under review, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and criminal elements, rescued 284 kidnapped victims and recorded the surrender of 124 terrorists and their family members.
He added that troops also disrupted crude oil theft on a massive scale, recovering 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, while destroying 53 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta.
In the North East, Onoja said troops under Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained relentless pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists through coordinated ground, air and hybrid operations supported by local security groups.
Between January 1 and 29, troops conducted operations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting 74 suspects and rescuing 40 kidnapped victims.
He revealed that 44 terrorists and their family members surrendered, while five top commanders and three lieutenants were eliminated during fierce firefights.
Onoja also confirmed that two notorious terrorist commanders, Basulhu and Ubaida, were killed during an encounter at the Mandara Mountains on January 22, alongside several fighters, with arms and ammunition recovered.
Air operations played a decisive role, as the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precision interdictions in the Northern Tumbus, identified as a hibernation zone for senior ISWAP commanders.
Rockets and bombs were deployed after intelligence-led targeting, resulting in heavy terrorist casualties and destruction of equipment.
In another air-supported engagement at the Timbuktu Triangle, dozens of ISWAP terrorists were neutralised, including a senior commander identified as Qaid and his lieutenant Munzir, while surveillance was intensified to track fleeing fighters.
During the period, several terrorists were neutralised, 52 suspects arrested and 100 kidnapped victims rescued. Onoja said arms and ammunition were intercepted from gunrunners across the theatre.
Operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi LGAs resulted in further terrorist neutralisation, arrest of 16 criminals, rescue of 35 victims and recovery of weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock.
He disclosed that close air support was deployed to Chukuba Village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State following a distress call, leading to the neutralisation of terrorists threatening ground troops.
In the North Central, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded significant gains in Plateau and parts of Kaduna States, where troops neutralised extremists, arrested 86 criminals and rescued 24 kidnapped victims.
Further operations in Kanam, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Wase, Jos axis and parts of Southern Kaduna led to additional arrests, rescues and weapons recovery.
A major breakthrough was the arrest of a wanted kidnap kingpin, Amadu Adamu, in Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State.
Similarly, Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and the FCT, neutralised terrorists, arrested 58 criminals and rescued 32 kidnapped victims during the month.
Additional operations across Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, and Abuja led to the arrest of 29 suspects, rescue of nine victims, and recovery of arms and ammunition.
In the South-South, Onoja said Operation DELTA SAFE dealt crippling blows to oil theft, piracy and militancy, recovering hundreds of thousands of litres of stolen petroleum products, destroying 53 illegal refining sites and arresting 81 oil thieves and criminals.
Troops also conducted operations in Akwa Ibom and Delta States, arresting suspects and recovering arms, while air reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma disrupted ongoing illegal siphoning activities.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to multiple distress calls across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, leading to the surrender of over 80 militants and the rescue of eight Cameroonian nationals during cross-border patrols.
Onoja said crime rates have dropped significantly in the region, with troops neutralising terrorists, arresting 22 suspects, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, and recovering arms.
In his closing remarks, the DDMO reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to securing the nation, stressing that while challenges persist, sustained operations, inter-agency cooperation and community support are yielding measurable results.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely information, echoing the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra: “See something, say something.”
“The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving threats until lasting peace and stability are achieved,” Onoja said.
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