Troops of Operation Savannah Shield are dislodging terrorists in Kwara and Niger states, having identified their check points and hibernating areas, denying them freedom of action in the region.

The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said this in a statement, while giving update on troops’ recorded successes across the country between February 8 and 12, 2026.

After the killing of over 70 residents in Woro village on February 3, 2026, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) launched the Operation Savannah Shield to flush terrorists from the two states.

Onoja said that the troops dislodged the terrorists during operations conducted in Borgu and Mokwa Local Government Areas of Niger State, and in Baruten, Edu and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

The DMO also said that during the period, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Plateau State, North Central, arrested a wanted kidnapper identified as Kamaru Chawai, and five others, recovering arms and ammunition from them.

Onoja said Chawai was arrested in exchange of fire during offensive operations across Jos North, Mangu, Riyom and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, as well as Jamaá and Kaura Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

He said, “Also, troops while on fighting patrols within the Adonkolo and Kakanda forests in Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State, captured Batijjo’s Camp and recovered cache of arms and ammunitions.”

Onoja added that troops arrested another wanted notorious IPOB/ESN terrorists identified as Eze Adeire (aka Ikuku), as well as and a notorious terrorist’s gunrunner with several locally fabricated rifles in Ahoada LGA of Rivers State.

According to Onoja, 53 terrorists including their informants and suppliers were arrested during the period, 39 kidnapped victims rescued, whiles scores of other terrorists were neutralised.

He said in the South South, troops destroyed nine illegal refining sites and arrested 11 oil thieves and other criminals.

The DMO said during the period, significant cordon and search operation was conducted in forested areas of Amasiri, Ezekwu Ohaechara and Obi Communities in Afikpo North and Afikpo South LGAs of Ebonyi State, resulting in recovery of arms.

He said between February 9 and 13, 2026, ground forces in the North East, operating in close coordination with the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups, conducted aggressive, intelligence-driven operations throughout the theatre.

“The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with Nigerian Army Aviation while conducting air reconnaissance, across several locations within Borno State observed 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 neutralized, while their living structures were destroyed,” he said.

He said the successes recorded in the period reflected the unwavering determination, resilience, and sacrifice of troops, who continue to work tirelessly in defence of the nation’s peace and security.