DHQ Records Successes, Neutralise Threats By Terrorists, Other Criminals Nationwide

The Military High Command says it has recorded significant operational successes in coordinated efforts to neutralise threats posed by terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements across the country for the week ending 23 January 2026.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in Abuja.

According to the statement, troops, working in synergy with other security agencies, conducted intelligence-driven operations in strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, international humanitarian law, and respect for human rights.

The statement noted that large quantities of arms, including automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and materials for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as well as caches of live ammunition, were recovered during the operations.

It further highlighted that in the North East, Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects arrested, and four kidnapped victims rescued. Air interdiction missions also destroyed weapons and equipment, weakening terrorist networks.

In the North West, several terrorists were neutralised, ten suspects apprehended, and seven kidnapped victims rescued, with weapons, vehicles, and livestock recovered during operations in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna States.

In the North Central region, extremists were neutralised, 50 criminals and suspected kidnappers were arrested, and ten kidnapped victims rescued, with weapons, ammunition, and cash recovered in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara States, and the Federal Capital Territory.

In the South-South, troops foiled oil theft, destroyed 20 illegal refining sites, and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals across Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.

In the South-East, eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued from sea pirates, three criminals arrested, and about 80 militants voluntarily surrendered arms and ammunition for amnesty in Cross River and Anambra States.

The statement emphasised the critical role of the media as strategic partners in national security, urging accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.

PR/Aisha Adesanya