Esther Oseyiomon
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has applauded troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for what he described as sweeping operational gains recorded across multiple theatres between February 13 and 19, 2026, declaring that the military’s resolve remains unshaken.
In a statement issued through the Defence Headquarters, the CDS commended the professionalism, courage and discipline displayed by personnel engaged in intelligence-driven operations nationwide, noting that coordinated offensives are steadily constricting criminal and terrorist elements.
According to the military high command, troops recovered a cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition during the week under review, including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns and materials used for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
In the North-east, Operation HADIN KAI sustained fierce pressure on insurgent enclaves across Borno and Yobe States, neutralising several terrorists, arresting suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims in a series of targeted raids.
The troops also intercepted a staggering ₦37 million along the Maiduguri–Magumeri corridor, tightening the noose around terror financiers. In Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, a suspected logistics supplier was apprehended in a move aimed at crippling insurgent supply chains.
In the North-west, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant breakthroughs, leading to the arrest of suspects and the rescue of abducted victims across Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Sokoto States.
In a major boost to the counter-banditry campaign, the Zamfara State Government donated 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers to security forces, reinforcing ground operations and enhancing rapid response capabilities in troubled communities.
Further north-central, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD intensified clearance missions in forest hideouts spanning Kwara and Niger States, resulting in fresh arrests and the safe rescue of captives.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE posted operational gains across Plateau, Kaduna and Benue States, with troops recovering arms and rounding up suspected criminal elements.
In the South-south and South-east, the twin offensives of Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation UDO KA dismantled illegal refining sites, seized weapons and arrested suspects, as the CDS urged citizens to sustain collaboration with security agencies through credible intelligence, including the use of the 193 toll-free emergency line.