The Nigerian Armed Forces have reported significant operational successes in the first two weeks of January 2026, dealing heavy blows to terrorist and insurgent networks across multiple states. The gains include the elimination of a notorious terrorist leader in Borno, the arrest of a key insurgent's wife in Taraba, and the rescue of over 100 kidnapped victims nationwide.
Major Strikes and Arrests Across Theatres
According to a briefing on Monday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, a comprehensive "Battle Damage Assessment" confirmed that a well-known terrorist commander, Munzir (also known as Baa Yanziye), was neutralized. He was killed alongside numerous fighters during precise airstrikes conducted between January 1 and 3, 2026.
The aerial operations targeted terrorist enclaves in the Timbuktu Triangle, specifically at Abirma, Chiralia, and Guva, as well as Garin Mallam Iddirisa and Garin Abu Ayuba in the general area of Damboa, Nduva, Borno State.
In a separate ground operation in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, troops apprehended the wife of a notorious extremist leader, John Gata. Following interrogation, the suspect led security forces to a hidden terrorists' armoury in Amadu Village. The recovery from this cache was substantial:
- 13 AK-47 rifles
- 38 AK-47 magazines
- Over 690 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition
- 36 hand grenades
Widespread Recovery of Arms and Rescue Operations
The military's offensive yielded results beyond these high-profile actions. Overall, troops arrested 127 terrorists, including their informants and logistics suppliers, across all operational theatres in the period. More importantly, 104 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued from captivity.
In Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, troops acted on intelligence about a crashed armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on farmland. They swiftly moved to the scene and successfully diffused the live explosive on the drone before its evacuation, preventing a potential disaster.
General Onoja detailed that troops recovered large caches of weapons, including:
Automatic weapons, Rocket-Propelled Gun (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Various calibers of live ammunition and cartridges were also seized.
Denying Criminals Freedom of Action
The operations also continued to target economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region. In the South South, troops thwarted oil theft valued at over N53 million. This included intercepting 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additionally, 20 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed, leading to the arrest of 31 oil thieves.
Major-General Onoja reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements the freedom to operate. He attributed the successes to the determination and resilience of the troops who work tirelessly to secure the nation.
"The Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in all operations and assures Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens," Onoja stated.
