Military reports seizure of large arms cache, neutralization of key terror leaders in nationwide operations.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has commended the “bravery and professionalism” of troops across Nigeria, citing significant recoveries of arms and successful operations against terrorist groups, kidnappers, and oil thieves in the first half of January.

In a comprehensive operational update released Tuesday, the military high command detailed a series of kinetic and non-kinetic engagements that resulted in the neutralization of scores of combatants, the arrest of key suspects, and the rescue of dozens of kidnapped victims.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remains committed to “denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of action.” He affirmed that the recent successes are a testament to the troops’ “determination and resilience.”

Key Operational Highlights (1 – 15 January 2026):

· Large-Scale Arms Recovery: Troops nationwide recovered “large quantities” of automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, and assorted ammunition.

· North East Offensive: Operation HADIN KAI forces, in conjunction with air components and hybrid forces, sustained pressure on Boko Haram/ISWAP factions in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Operations neutralized several terrorists, including a prominent leader known as Munzir (Baa Yanziye), and led to the arrest of 34 suspects. Troops successfully repelled coordinated multi-directional attacks on bases in Madagali, Adamawa, and Azir, Borno, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.

· North West & North Central Gains: In Operation HADARIN DAJI (North West) and Operation WHIRL STROKE (North Central), troops conducted offensive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and Taraba States. Results included the rescue of 52 kidnapped victims in the North West and 21 in the North Central. A major breakthrough in Taraba led to the arrest of the wife of a notorious extremist, John Gata, who guided troops to an armoury containing 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 magazines, over 690 rounds of ammunition, and four hand grenades.

· Oil Theft Foiled in Niger Delta: Under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops in the South-South region thwarted oil theft estimated at over N53.7 million, seizing 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Twenty illegal refining sites were destroyed and 31 suspects arrested.

· South East Operations: Troops of Operation UDO KA raided terrorist enclaves in Enugu State and cultist hideouts in Imo. Three suspected IPOB/ESN members were arrested in Anambra State, alongside a suspected arms dealer.

The DHQ reiterated its commitment to providing timely information and ensuring the safety of all citizens, maintaining that the operational tempo across all theatres will be sustained to promote national stability.