Military neutralizes over 60 terrorists, rescues 134 kidnapped victims, dismantles illegal refineries

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday announced that troops across multiple theatres have neutralized over 60 terrorists, demobilized five gun trucks and their occupants, and rescued 134 kidnapped victims during operations targeting terrorists, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs.

DHQ also reported the destruction of seven illegal crude oil refinery sites and the arrest of 121 criminal elements, including terrorists’ collaborators and oil thieves.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said that in the past seven days, troops uncovered and destroyed three terrorist detention facilities capable of holding up to 300 captives in the Timbuktu Triangle.

Detailing the operations, Major General Onoja said, “Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), sustained momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists freedom of action across the North East. Ground forces, in coordination with air units and local security groups, conducted intelligence-driven operations throughout the theatre.”

Among the highlights: On January 30, 2026, a firefight in the Timbuktu Triangle around Kimba in Damboa LGA, Borno State, resulted in over 20 terrorists neutralized, including a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib.

Troops rescued seven abducted victims in Adamawa State’s Hong and Mubi North LGAs.

Three major terrorist detention facilities were destroyed, freeing 70 captives and neutralizing over 30 terrorists.

The second batch of 700 Nigerian refugees was safely repatriated from Cameroon into Borno State on January 31, 2026.

Operations extended across North Central, North West, South East, and Niger Delta regions, including Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, FCT, Delta, Rivers, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi states. These operations resulted in:

Arrests of 121 criminal elements, including terrorists and oil thieves

Rescue of 134 kidnapped victims

Recovery of arms, ammunition, vehicles, and other illegal materials

Destruction of illegal crude oil refineries and terrorist camps

In Kwara State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted operations in Garin Dandi and other enclaves, neutralizing terrorists and rescuing 10 kidnapped victims.

Major General Onoja emphasized that all recovered weapons and suspects are in custody for further investigation.

He added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain focused on neutralizing threats, sustaining peace, and ensuring the safety of every citizen. Through proactive measures and strict adherence to the rule of law, we aim to foster a secure environment where all Nigerians can thrive.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops and expressed condolences to the families affected by the Woro and Nuku villages attacks in Kwara State on February 4, 2026. He reiterated the call for citizens to remain vigilant under the mantra: “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something.”

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