Nigerian troops crush Terrorists, kill scores, free dozens in raids

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reported major victories from February 13-19, 2026, across multiple Joint Task Forces (JTFs), neutralizing terrorists, rescuing hostages, and seizing weapons in operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, oil thieves, and IPOB/ESN.

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

In North East (Op Hadin Kai): Dozens of terrorists killed in Borno/Yobe; 7 suspects arrested, 3 hostages freed; intercepted ₦37M cash (suspected terror funding) and drones/solar banks from suspects.

In North West (Op Fansan Yamma): 9 bandits nabbed, 26 hostages rescued in Zamfara/Kano/Katsina/Kaduna/Kebbi/Sokoto; weapons, vehicles, livestock recovered; Zamfara donated 25 APCs.

In North Central: Op Savannah Shield (Kwara/Niger): 5 terrorists arrested, 7 hostages freed; motorcycles seized after village attack response; new command flag launched.
• Op Enduring Peace (Plateau/Kaduna): Several terrorists killed, 3 arrested, 6 hostages rescued; arms seized in joint ops.
• Op Whirl Stroke (Benue/Taraba/Kogi/Nasarawa): 11 arrested (incl. bandit leader’s wife), 4 hostages freed; arms, ammo, bikes recovered.

In South South (Op Delta Safe): 4 illegal refineries destroyed, 5 oil thieves + 3 criminals arrested; meth worth ₦5M+ seized in Delta/Cross River.

In South East (Op Udo Ka): 8 suspects arrested, 1 IPOB/ESN killed in Ebonyi/Imo; weapons recovered, camps destroyed.

Armed Forces of  Nigeria recovered arms like RPGs, machine guns, IED materials nationwide with Chief of Defence Staff praising troops and urging  public tips through 193 hotline.