Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Arrest Suspects in North-East, North-West
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Troops of Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested suspects and rescued kidnapped victims in sustained operations across the North-East and North-West.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in a statement on Friday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, covering operations conducted between February 13 and 19, 2026.
According to the statement, troops of Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI carried out offensive operations in several Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states.
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“During fierce encounters, scores of terrorists were neutralised, seven suspects were apprehended and three kidnapped victims were successfully rescued,” the statement read.
Troops also intercepted five suspected individuals along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis with N37m in cash allegedly meant for distribution on behalf of an international NGO.
The suspects and funds are currently in military custody pending investigation.
In a separate operation in Adamawa State, troops arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier and recovered two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks.
Similarly, troops of Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted operations across Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The military said nine terrorists were arrested, 26 kidnapped victims rescued and assorted weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock recovered.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained offensive posture and appreciated the support of state governments and host communities.
