Terrorists operating in Nigeria’s
North Central region are reeling after a devastating series of strikes that
have left at least 17 of their fighters dead and their bomb-making networks
shattered.
In a statement released to
journalists on Friday, 6 March 2026 by Major General Michael
Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the Defence Headquarters announced
that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have dramatically expanded their reach
across Kwara and Niger States, hunting down criminal gangs in dense forests and
border areas where they once felt untouchable.
Acting on precise intelligence
provided by local communities, soldiers stormed a major terrorist enclave in
Roguwa Forest, Patigi Local Government Area of Niger State, on March 1. What
followed was a fierce gunbattle that ended with over 17 terrorists neutralized
on the spot. Several others were seen fleeing deep into the bush with
life-threatening injuries. Clearance operations are still underway to hunt down
every last survivor.
Just days earlier, on February 28,
troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle along the Eruku-Egbe road in Ekiti
Local Government Area of Kwara State. Inside were eight 50-kilogram bags of
ammonium chloride, a critical chemical used to manufacture deadly Improvised
Explosive Devices (IEDs). The driver had no documents and is now in custody
alongside the dangerous cargo.
The operations also yielded the
rescue of two kidnapped hostages, the arrest of three other suspects, and the
recovery of significant quantities of arms and ammunition, further crippling the
terrorists’ ability to strike innocent civilians.
To ensure these gains are permanent,
the military has intensified deep-forest fighting patrols in close partnership
with state governments. The focus is on every known hideout and smuggling
route, denying criminals any breathing space to regroup.
The Defence Headquarters has been
steadfast in its resolve to protect Nigerian lives and restore peace to every
corner of the country. These latest successes demonstrate the effectiveness of
intelligence-driven operations and the unbreakable bond between the troops and
peace-loving communities who continue to provide vital information.
“These achievements are clear proof
that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed and better equipped than
ever to dismantle every terrorist network,” the statement emphasised. “No
hideout is safe. The era of bandits and terrorists holding any part of our
nation hostage is coming to a swift and decisive end.”
Citizens across Kwara, Niger and the
entire North Central zone can now breathe easier, knowing that their military
is on the offensive; aggressive, unrelenting, and winning.
The message to the terrorists is loud
and clear: run, hide, it won’t save you. Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD is just
getting started.