March 01, (THEWILL) — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops arrested over 350 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, while rescuing 409 kidnapped hostages during coordinated operations across the country in February 2026.
According to operational statistics released on Sunday by the Defence Media Operations (DMO), the Armed Forces recorded major breakthroughs in their sustained campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and economic sabotage nationwide.
The DHQ stated that a total of 354 suspects, including terrorists, bandits, and illegal miners, were apprehended in various theatres of operation.
The 409 victims were freed during clearance missions, intelligence-led raids, and rescue operations conducted in identified criminal enclaves.
The military high command described the achievements as a reflection of intensified offensives aimed at dismantling criminal networks that have threatened the peace and stability of several communities.
Beyond arrests and rescues, troops also targeted the financial infrastructure sustaining criminal activities.
Field operations led to the recovery of 2.44 million naira in cash believed to be proceeds of illicit dealings. In the ongoing war against crude oil theft and energy sabotage, security forces recorded significant gains.
Troops destroyed 32 illegal refining sites and intercepted 144,050 litres of stolen crude oil as well as 31,601 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during joint land and maritime operations.
The DHQ noted that the successes were reinforced by specialised Joint Task Forces deployed across the country. In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a suspected terror courier and recovered armed drones reportedly intended for insurgent attacks, thereby disrupting planned operations by extremist elements.
In the North-Central region, Operation Whirl Stroke intensified operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, recording significant territorial gains.
The military disclosed that major terror enclaves in the Takum and Wukari areas of Taraba State were completely dismantled during sustained offensives.
Similarly, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma stepped up efforts in the North-West to combat banditry, carrying out aggressive clearance operations aimed at restoring security in affected communities.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining operational momentum across all theatres, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in their mandate to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and protect lives and property.
It also urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to consolidate the gains recorded.
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