Troops Arrest 312 Terror Suspects, Rescue 409 Hostages in February – DHQ

Nigeria’s military says troops intensified nationwide operations in February led to the arrest of 312 suspected terrorists and the rescue of 409 hostages, as security forces sustained pressure on insurgent and criminal networks across multiple theatres.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also disclosed that 46 insurgents and their family members surrendered within the period under review.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, who briefed journalists on Friday, said troops “neutralized scores of terrorists” in coordinated land and air offensives.

In the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), working alongside hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters.

Onoja highlighted a major confrontation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops repelled terrorists who attacked with gun trucks, motorcycles, and five drones.

“The ensuing firefight resulted in the neutralisation of multiple adversaries and the seizure of weapons and a stretcher, underscoring our offensive posture,” he said.

On February 23, 2026, troops intercepted logistics supplies allegedly bound for insurgents, including a Toyota pick-up loaded with vehicle spares and fabrics, as well as a truck carrying 460 bags of fertilizer in Bade LGA of Yobe State.

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“Similarly, forty-two (42) illegal miners were also apprehended in Gulani LGA of Yobe State, thereby disrupting illicit activities that fund insurgency,” he added.

Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States combined ground offensives with air interdictions and intelligence-driven missions.

According to Onoja, the operation neutralized several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects, and rescued 251 hostages.

A notable success occurred on February 21, 2026, when troops rescued 21 abducted victims from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa LGA of Katsina State. The victims, abducted two days earlier, were safely handed over to state authorities.

In Plateau State, troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls targeting terrorism, kidnapping, and ethno-religious violence. Operations led to the neutralization of several criminals, the arrest of 29 suspects, and the rescue of 22 hostages, alongside the recovery of arms.

Meanwhile, in the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified its anti-oil theft crackdown.

Onoja said 59 suspects were arrested, while troops recovered 144,050 litres of stolen crude oil and 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO). Thirty-two illegal refining sites were dismantled.

“Working together, maritime and land components as well as other security agencies, dismantled processing equipment, thus safeguarding national assets,” he said.

The military high command maintains that sustained joint operations across all theatres are aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring stability nationwide.