The Defence Headquarters has announced significant operational gains by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East and North-West regions. The update was disclosed on Friday, 27 March 2026, by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who highlighted sustained pressure on terrorist networks and improved security outcomes across multiple states.
According to the report, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensive and intelligence-led operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, and Gombe States. On 20 March 2026, security forces arrested a suspected terrorist spy at an excavation site in Maiduguri, recovering communication gadgets and cash, while a suspected arms dealer was apprehended the same day in Taraba State. Subsequent operations led to the recovery of multiple AK-47 rifles and the arrest of several terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Borno and Adamawa States. Notably, on 23 March 2026, two suspected informants were arrested at Kaffa Bridge in Damboa LGA, while another logistics operative was apprehended in Kaga LGA. Further breakthroughs on 25 and 26 March 2026 saw the arrest of additional suspects and recovery of motorcycle spare parts believed to support terrorist mobility, as well as weapons recovered following intelligence-driven operations in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
In the North-West theatre, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued to record decisive successes against terrorist elements operating in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. On 20 March 2026, troops supported by air assets engaged terrorists in Sokoto State, destroying key support structures and forcing the insurgents to retreat. A day later, a wanted ammunition courier was arrested in Kogi State while attempting to evade capture. On 23 March 2026, troops neutralized two terrorists in separate engagements in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State and recovered AK-47 rifles and ammunition. Additional operations on 25 March 2026 resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped local government official, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, in Kano State, alongside the arrest of suspects and recovery of weapons. Troops also neutralised two more terrorists during an ambush in Zamfara State and recovered arms, communication equipment, and a motorcycle. Ongoing clearance operations in Zamfara and Kebbi States have further disrupted terrorist activities, enabling safer conditions for farming and facilitating the return of displaced communities.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, will sustain the current momentum until all threats to national peace and stability are effectively neutralised.