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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters(DHQ), said its troops on internal security operations in Cross Rivers State have rescued eight Cameroonian nationals abducted by sea pirates along the Ikang waterways in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who made this known, said the troops of Operation UDO KA, rescued the Cameroonians during an offensive operation in the coastal area, just as
about 80 militants surrendered to troops at Akpabuyo Local Government Area in response to ongoing non-kinetic engagements and amnesty efforts.
Onoja, in a statement, listed some of the weapons surrendered the militants to include arms and ammunition adding that the militants were affiliated with two camps led by Thankgod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, and John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo.
Giving an update of military operations conducted across the country, Gen. Onoja, said “Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations and rescued eight Cameroonian nationals earlier kidnapped by sea pirates at the Ikang waterways in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. Three criminals were also arrested in Ogburu LGA of Anambra State.
“Similarly, about 80 militants presented themselves to troops with their arms and ammunition for amnesty at Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. The militants were reported to belong to two camps headed by Thankgod Ebikontei (aka Ayibanuagha) and John Isaac (aka Akpokolo).”
He said In the North-East, “troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, sustained operational momentum against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists.
“Working with air components, hybrid forces and local security groups, he said troops conducted coordinated ground and air operations that neutralised several terrorists, arrested informants and logistics suppliers, and dismantled terrorist networks.
“From January 19 to 23, 2026, troops conducted operations against terrorists in Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza and Biu LGAs of Borno State. Similar operations were conducted in Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe states, respectively.
“During the encounters, scores of terrorists were neutralised, seven were arrested, while four kidnapped victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops’ custody for further action,”.
In the North-West, Onoja, said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma sustained offensive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states. He said areas covered included Maru, Anka, Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, Tsafe, Talata Mafara and Birnin Magaji in Zamfara State; Batsari and Kankara in Katsina State; Tangaza and Wurno in Sokoto State; and Giwa and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.
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According to him, During the operations, several terrorists were neutralised, 10 suspects apprehended, seven kidnapped victims rescued while troops recovered weapons, vehicles and rustled livestock.
Continuing, he said troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State responded to distress calls on terrorist activities in several local government areas, including Bokkos, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Wase, as well as Kaura and Jama’a in Kaduna State.
He further stated that Between January 19 and 23, troops neutralised some extremists, arrested 39 suspected criminals and rescued four kidnapped victims.
“Arms and ammunition were recovered from them, while the sum of $4,500 was recovered from a criminal as proceeds from the sale of rustled cows. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody for further action,”.
In the North-Central zone, he said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted operations in Taraba and Benue states and responded to kidnapping incidents in parts of Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said 11 suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation while six victims were rescued. Arms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered.
In the South-South, he said troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled several crude oil theft attempts with the destruction of 20 illegal refining sites, 31 suspected oil thieves arrested, and assorted arms and ammunition recovered across Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states.
He said that additional operations conducted between January 1 and 15 in Delta and Bayelsa states led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of weapons.
He said, the armed forces of Nigeria has continued to intensify coordinated operations across all theatres in response to persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, piracy, kidnapping and crude oil theft.
According to him, the operations are being carried out through various joint task forces, combining ground troops, air components, local security groups and non-kinetic measures such as dialogue and amnesty.
