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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said troops engaged in crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta destroyed 53 illegal refineries, arrested 81 suspected oil thieves and recovered assorted arms and ammunition in the month of January.
The troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, were also said to have responded to distress calls on sea pirate, militancy and other criminal activities across the region.
Director Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja, who made this known, said the troops foiled theft over 200,000 liters of crude oil, 66,000, liters of Automative Gas Oil, 660, liters of Dual Purpose Kerosine and 5,000, liters of Premium Motor Spirit during the month under review.
Onoja, at a media briefing on military operations conducted in the month of January across the country, said to effectively curb crude theft in the region, troops conducted offensive operations in Insit Ibom and Essien Udin LGAs of Akwa Ibom State as well as Okpe LGA of Delta State. During the operations, he said troops arrested five suspects, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
He also said the Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma where it discovered a large sized barge siphoning petroleum products and destroyed it.
Giving an update of military operations conducted in various theatre Gen. Onoja, said Within the month of January 2026, troops in various theatres neutralized several terrorists, arrested 452, suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements and rescued about 284, kidnapped victims.
He also said 124, terrorists as well as their family members surrendered to troops.
In the north east, Gen. Onoja, said the Joint Task Force North East OperationHADIN KAI (OPHK) during the period, troops sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region. Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre. During these operations, troops neutralised several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers. They also recovered weapons and dismantled terrorists’ networks. Their efforts paved way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons. For instance, from 1- 29 January 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States with successes recorded by neutralizing scores of terrorists. Also, seventy-four (74) of them were arrested, while forty (40) kidnaped victims were rescued. Notably, forty-four (44) terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the month under review. Interestingly, five (5) terrorists’top commanders and three (3) of their lieutenants were taken out during firefights within the region.
“During the month, troops conducted operations against terrorists in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, AskiraUba and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Similar operations were conducted in Michika and DamaturuLGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States respectively. During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were
neutralized, seventeen (17) of them were arrested, while twelve (12) kidnapped victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops custody for further action.
“Relatedly, following encounter with terrorist by troops at Mandara Mountains
on 22 January 2026, successfully neutralized two (2)terrorists commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida as well as several others. Weapons and cache of ammunition were recovered from them.
7. Air Interdiction and Armed ReconnaissanceMissions. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation conducted several air interdiction missions and airlift of logistics support to the troops in the frontline. Notable among them was a coordinated air interdictionat a new terrorist’s location in the Northern Tumbus. Intelligence revealed that the location was ahibernation area for prominent ISWAP commanders and their foot soldiers. Targets were also observed gathering in two different locations, the selected targets were acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized, their weapons and equipment were also destroyed.
8. In another development, troops of Operation HADIN KAI with the aid of air support engaged ISWAP terrorists and neutralised dozens of them inTimbuktu Triangle while several others fled with severe degree of injuries. Notably among the neutralized terrorists, was a terrorists’ senior commander identified as Qaid and his lieutenant Munzir. The Air Component has intensified surveillance around Bulabulin and Korengelen South East of Azir in Damboa LGA of Borno State as well as the surrounding forests to detect the fleeing terrorists for possible elimination.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
9. Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMAsustained operational tempo throughout the period. During several fire fights, significant number of terrorists were neutralised while kidnapped victims were rescued. For instance, from 1 – 29 January 2026, troops conducted offensive operations covering Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Kogi and Kwara States as well as some parts of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. During theperiod, several terrorists were neutralized, fifty-two (52) were arrested, while one hundred (100) kidnapped victims were rescued. It is important to inform you that cache of arms and ammunition were intercepted and recovered from terrorists gunrunners at different locations across the theatre.
10. During the month, troops conducted offensive operations in Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, Tsafe,Bungudu and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops conducted operations in Kankara, Dandume and KurfiLGAs of Katsina State as well as Isa, Tangaza, Binji, Tureta and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State. Other areas covered during the week include Doka, Kachia and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Borgu and Zuru LGAs of Niger and Kebbi States respectively. During these operations, several terrorists were neutralised, sixteen (16) of them were apprehended, while thirty five (35) kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles and livestock were recovered.
11. Air Interdiction Mission and Close Air Support Mission. Following a distress call for close air support to ground troops conducting a clearance operations at Chukuba Village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA provided close air support to the troops. The location was scanned and was observed with terrorists activities. Targets were acquired and engaged with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
12. Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State responded to distress calls on terrorists’activities in several sectors. For instance, troops conducted offensive operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna States. During the firefights, scores of extremists were neutralized, eighty six (86) other criminals were arrested, while twenty four (24)kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
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13. During the month, troops conducted offensive operations in Kanam, Barkin Ladi, Qua’An Pan, Jos East, Bassa, Jos South, Bokkos and Wase LGAs of Plateau State. They also conducted operations in Jamaá and Zangon Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State. During the firefights, some extremists were neutralized, eleven (11) other criminals were arrested, while (six) 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them.Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
14. Notably, troops arrested a wanted kidnapper’s kingpin identified as Amadu Adamu in Jamaá LGA of Kaduna State.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
15. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE comprising, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba Statesrecorded some successes in their Area of Operational Responsibility.
Between 1 – 29 January 2026, troops conducted several offensive operations in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Taraba States as well as Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. During the operations, severalterrorists were neutralized. Fifty-eight (58) of them were arrested, while thirty-two (32) kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them.
16. Similarly, During the month, troops conducted several offensive operations in Jalingo and Ardo KolaLGAs of Taraba State as well as Kabba Bunu, Yagba west and Yagba East LGAs of Kogi State as well as Oyun LGA of Kwara State. Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Gwer West and Logo LGAs of Benue State. Others are Doma and Lafia LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the FCT. During theseoperations, troops arrested twenty-nine (29) criminals, while nine (9) kidnapped victims were rescued. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
17. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE responded to distress calls on sea pirate, militancy and other criminal activities across the region. Significantly, troops foiled theft as follows; two hundred and ten thousand, three hundred (210,300) litres of crude oil, sixty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five (66,725) litres of Automative Gas Oil, six hundred and sixty (660) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and five thousand (5,000) litres of Premium Motor Spirit during the month under review. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed fifty-three (53) illegal refining sites and arrested eighty-one (81) oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
18. In recent development, troops conducted offensive operations in Insit Ibom and Essien Udin LGAs of Akwa Ibom State as well as Okpe LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 5suspects, while arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.
19. Armed Reconnaissance Missions. In continuation of efforts to dissuade illegal refining activities Niger Delta Region, the Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conduct armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma. During the missions, it was observed that a large sized barge was siphoning petroleum products. Target were acquired and engaged accordingly.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
20. Troops of Operation UDO KA responded to distress calls on terrorists, sea pirate, militancy and other criminality activities across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. It is worthy to note that, over eighty (80) militants recently surrendered to troops, while eight (8) Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrol along Bakassi waterways. Significantly, crime rate has drastically reduced in the region compared to past crime occurrence. During the month, troops neutralized some terrorists, arrested twenty-two (22) of them and rescued eleven (11) kidnapped victims. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action.
21. In closing, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterate their unwavering commitment to the successful conduct of ongoing military operations across all theatres. Our troops remain focused, professional, and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional mandate to safeguard lives, property, and the territorial integrity of the nation. While challenges persist, significant progress continues to be recorded through sustained operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the support of local communities.
22. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation, resilience, and patriotism of Nigerians, whose timely information, understanding, and support have remained critical to operational success. We also acknowledged the media for their responsible reporting and partnership in ensuring accurate information reaches the public. The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats. With the continued cooperation of citizens and stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting peace and stability. The Chief of Defence Staff mantra is “See Something, Say Something”. The Defence Headquarters urges all national leaders and stakeholders to mobilise eligible youths and provide the military information. Thank you for your attention and continued support.
