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The Defence Headquarters has announced significant operational successes by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the North-Central region, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal elements, and recovery of arms and explosives. The update was made public on Friday, 27 March 2026, by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and restoring lasting peace across affected communities.
According to the report, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD intensified counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Kwara and Niger States, achieving notable breakthroughs. On 22 March 2026, troops responded swiftly to a terrorist attack on an ECWA Church in Ora-Ago Community, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, where nine worshippers were abducted; three victims were successfully rescued through joint efforts with local vigilantes and Forest Guard operatives, while efforts continue to secure the remaining hostages. On the same date, troops intercepted a suspect conveying explosive and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials in Borgu LGA of Niger State, while a strategic bridge along the Wawa–Luma axis was confirmed destroyed by terrorists. Further operations on 23 March 2026 led to the arrest of six suspected terrorists in Isin LGA of Kwara State, with the recovery of a locally-made pistol, ammunition, and other items. Continued operations on 25 and 26 March 2026 saw troops safely detonate an IED along the Wawa–Babanna Road and uncover an illegal mining site at Luma Village, where seven suspects, including foreign nationals, were arrested.
In a related development, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained security dominance across Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory. On 20 March 2026, troops raided criminal hideouts in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, arresting nine suspects linked to illicit drug activities. Swift responses to kidnapping incidents led to the rescue of multiple victims across Plateau and Kogi States between 21 and 26 March 2026, including successful operations in Jos East, Bokkos, Kabba, Riyom, and Mangu LGAs. On 24 March 2026, troops neutralized one terrorist during a contact engagement in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State and recovered loaded AK-47 magazines. Additional operations on 26 March 2026 resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorists in Benue and Edo States, with the recovery of arms, ammunition, and other items, highlighting the effectiveness of joint operations with vigilantes and the Nigeria Forest Security Service.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded operational gains in Benue and adjoining states. On 23 March 2026, troops neutralized one terrorist and arrested four others during a fighting patrol in Gwer West LGA of Benue State. Further operations in Otukpo LGA led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of six locally fabricated firearms, a motorcycle, machetes, and mobile phones. In a separate incident, troops responded to cattle rustling activities in Makurdi LGA, apprehending three suspects who were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the cumulative successes recorded across the North-Central theatre reflect improved coordination among the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and local stakeholders. It assured Nigerians that ongoing operations will be sustained and intensified to eliminate all threats to peace and security, while urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.