The Defence Headquarters said on Friday that more than five senior terrorists’ commanders, including a notorious commander identified as Qaid and his lieutenant Munzir, were among dozens of terrorists killed in the Northeast in January.
Troops also neutralised several terrorists in fierce encounters at various theatres in January and arrested four hundred and fifty-two (452) suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO). Major General Michael Onoja disclosed this in Abuja on Friday while providing an overview of recent operational activities, key successes recorded by troops, and emerging security dynamics within the limits of national security considerations for the month of January 2026 in the ongoing war against insurgents.
He said that within the month, troops rescued about two hundred and eighty-four (284) kidnapped victims, while one hundred and twenty-four (124) terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops.
The Director said that two of the terrorists’ commanders, identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, and several others met their Waterloo at Mandara Mountains on 22 January 2026, and troops recovered
weapons and a cache of ammunition from them.
He said that a coordinated air interdiction at a new terrorist’s location in the Northern Tumbus. Intelligence revealed that the location was a hibernation area for prominent ISWAP commanders and their foot soldiers.
Targets were also observed gathering in two different locations; the selected targets were acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised, and their weapons and equipment were equally destroyed.
Other significant successes recorded are dissuading criminals from oil theft and recovery of two hundred and ten thousand, three hundred (210,300) litres of crude oil; sixty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five (66,725) litres of Automotive Gas Oil; six hundred and sixty (660) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene; and five thousand (5,000) litres of Premium Motor Spirit, he said.
“Troops also destroyed fifty-three (53) illegal refining sites during the month under review,” while events that unfolded during the period under review from the theatres of operation were also highlighted at the press conference.
“We appreciate media practitioners’ continued cooperation and the support of all Nigerians, as the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate.”
In the Northeast Theatre, where the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN
KAI (OPHK) holds the fort; its troops sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists freedom of action.
Ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces, as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre and neutralised several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers.
They also recovered weapons and dismantled terrorists’ networks. Their efforts paved the way for the safe resettlement of displaced persons.
According to him, for instance, troops conducted operations against terrorists across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States between January 1st and 29th, 2026, and neutralised scores of terrorists.
“Seventy-four (74) of them were arrested, while forty (40) kidnapped victims were rescued. Notably, forty-four (44) terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the month under review.
He said, “Interestingly, five (5) terrorists’ top commanders and three (3) of their lieutenants were taken out during firefights within the region.”
According to the director, during the month, troops conducted operations against terrorists in the Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba, and Konduga LGAs of Borno State.
“Similar operations were conducted in the Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States, respectively, adding that during the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralised, seventeen (17) of them were arrested, while twelve (12) kidnapped victims were rescued.”
The suspects and weapons recovered are in the troops’ custody for further action.
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