Esther Oseyiomon
The Armed Forces of Nigeria in February 2026 recovered 144,050 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil, rescued 409 kidnapped victims, arrested over 300 suspects and neutralised scores of terrorists in nationwide operations.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Feb. 27 while briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE led to the arrest of 59 suspected oil thieves and the dismantling of 32 illegal refining sites, as troops intensified efforts to curb economic sabotage and protect oil infrastructure.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 251 hostages and arrested 36 suspects across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, including 21 abducted victims freed in Musawa LGA of Katsina State.
In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents and rescued 104 kidnapped victims in Borno State and Yobe State.
Operations in the North-Central zone also recorded gains, with troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescuing hostages and recovering weapons during clearance missions in forested areas.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau arrested 29 suspects and rescued 22 victims, while Operation WHIRL STROKE covering Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states arrested 49 suspects and freed 32 hostages.
Onoja said the military combined kinetic strikes with intelligence-led operations and community collaboration to dismantle criminal networks and block their funding channels.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the offensive to secure lives, protect economic assets and restore peace across all theatres of operation.