Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), engaged in the fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists during the week in close collaboration with relevant security and intelligence agencies, sustained a high operational tempo across various theatres in furtherance of national security and renewed efforts to end the 17-year-old war.
The Director of Defence Media Operation, Major General Michael Onoja, gave an update at the weekend on the operational activities of the Nigerian Armed Forces between 9 and 13 February 2026 toward the set objectives. said the Armed Forces remain resolute in the execution of their constitutional mandate.
He said we are fighting with a deliberate focus on safeguarding the lives and welfare of our personnel while upholding the principles of professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) recognises the considerable public interest in ongoing military operations and appreciates the role of the media in informing the populace.
Accordingly, we are committed to providing timely, accurate, and transparent information on our activities as operations evolve across all operational theatres.
“Currently, our forces are conducting a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at neutralising identified threats, protecting citizens, and restoring normalcy in affected areas. These efforts are intended to create a safe and secure environment that supports economic activities, social development, and lasting peace nationwide.”
He said that “overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials. Also, caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.”
Providing specific details of each theatre’s operations. Major General Onoja disclosed that during the week, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), sustained operational momentum by effectively denying Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action across the Northeast region.
Ground forces, operating in close coordination with the Air Component, hybrid forces, and local security groups, conducted aggressive, intelligence-driven operations throughout the theatre.
“These operations resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the arrest of their informants and logistics suppliers, and the recovery of arms and equipment, leading to the dismantling of key terrorist networks.
He further explained that the sustained pressure created a more secure environment, facilitating the safe resettlement of displaced persons.
During the week, troops conducted offensive operations in the Bama, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Guzamala, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State, as well as the Damaturu LGA of Yobe State. Operations were also conducted in the Gombi and Maiha LGAs of Adamawa State.
“During these encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralised, 8 of them were arrested, while 11 kidnapped victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops’ custody for further action.”
“In a related development, troops encountered terrorists in an ambush attack at a terrorist enclave in Komala Village, Jere LGA of Borno State, on 9 February 2026. During the encounters, dozens of the terrorists were neutralised, while weapons, motorcycles, bicycles, household items, cosmetics, wears and clothing materials were recovered
Air Interdiction Missions.
He said that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation, while conducting air reconnaissance across several locations within Borno State, observed the movement of about 7 terrorists and trailed them to Chongolo Kura in Bama LGA of Borno State.
“Similarly, at Abbagajere Village in Damboa LGA of Borno State, 3 terrorists were observed entering an enclave. Targets were acquired, and multiple precision strikes were carried out. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that terrorists were neutralised, while their living structures were destroyed.”
In the same vein, troops of Joint Task Force Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) sustained operational tempo throughout the week. They were engaged in several firefights, during which a significant number of terrorists were neutralised while kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Significantly, between 8 and 12 February 2026, offensive operations were conducted in Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Maru, and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State, as well as Doguwa and Kafur LGAs of Kano and Katsina States, respectively. During the operations, several terrorists were neutralised, 4 of them were apprehended, and 2 kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles, and livestock were recovered from them. Recovered weapons are in the troops’ custody for further action.”
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