Armed Forces of Nigeria troops operating
across the North West and North Central geopolitical zones rescued 386
kidnapped victims, arrested 114 terror suspects, and destroyed a Lakurawa group
terrorist enclave during the first quarter of 2026, part of a multi-theatre
campaign that saw gains recorded across four separate joint task force commands
in the region.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of
Defence Media Operations, detailed these outcomes at a media briefing at
Defence Headquarters on 31 March 2026, saying the results of Operations FANSAN
YAMMA, SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE, and WHIRL STROKE collectively
demonstrate a hardening of the military's operational grip across the country's
northern and central corridors.
In the North West, troops of Operation
FANSAN YAMMA destroyed a Lakurawa group terrorist enclave in Tangaza LGA of
Sokoto State on 8 March 2026. On 10 March 2026, 15 suspected logistics
suppliers were arrested alongside nine motorcycles and 19 jerrycans of Premium
Motor Spirit in Sabon Birni LGA, a seizure that disrupted a key terrorist
supply chain. In a notable operation on 25 March 2026, troops in conjunction
with DSS operatives rescued the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area from
a forest hideout.
“A snap checkpoint operation in Zaria LGA led to the arrest of a
suspected gunrunner in possession of 200 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition,
subsequently moved to ONSA Headquarters for further action.”
On 29 March 2026, a joint team mounted a
snap checkpoint at Dambo Community in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State following
intelligence on a suspected gunrunner moving from Jos to Kaduna. The operation
led to the apprehension of the suspect, who was found in possession of 200
rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition. The suspect was moved to the Office of the
National Security Adviser Headquarters, Abuja, for further necessary action.
In the North Central, troops of Operation
ENDURING PEACE arrested 210 suspects and rescued 61 kidnapped victims during
the quarter. On 11 March 2026, troops intercepted 802 bags of granular ammonium
sulphate, a key explosive precursor at a checkpoint in Tafawa Balewa LGA of
Bauchi State, neutralising a potential mass-casualty threat. On 28 March 2026,
two suspected terrorist informants were arrested in Kuje Area Council of the
Federal Capital Territory.
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue,
Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi States, neutralised terrorists, arrested
139 suspects, and rescued 73 kidnapped victims. On 9 March 2026, two terrorists
were neutralised and 82 SIM cards and multiple ATM cards were recovered in
Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, dismantling a communications and financial
network linked to criminal activity in the region.