In a week marked by high-stakes precision and strategic grit, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have delivered series of crippling blows to insurgent leadership and economic saboteurs. Between February 28 and March 6, 2026, coordinated operations across the country’s geopolitical zones resulted in the neutralization of top-tier terrorist kingpins and the recovery of sophisticated weaponry, including combat drones.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that these “high-intensity kinetic operations” are part of an evolving doctrine aimed at safeguarding both Nigeria’s territorial integrity and its economic backbone.
Precision Strikes in the Sambisa
The North East remains a primary focus, where Operation HADIN KAI achieved a landmark victory. On March 2, precision air strikes targeted a high-level meeting in the Sambisa Forest, successfully neutralizing three notorious commanders: Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago, and Ba Alayi Benbem.
Beyond the leadership vacuum created by these strikes, ground forces in Borno State’s Nganzai LGA neutralized a growing technological threat. Troops engaged terrorists attempting to utilize armed drones, ultimately recovering the UAVs along with anti-tank munitions and improvised explosive device (IED) components.
Intelligence-Led Arrests and Interdictions
The military’s reach extended into the North West and North Central regions, focusing on disrupting the logistics that fuel banditry.
Medical Disguise Foiled: In Kaduna, two terrorists attempting to receive clandestine medical treatment in Giwa LGA were apprehended.
IED Precursors Seized: In Kwara State, a major security threat was neutralized when troops intercepted a vehicle transporting eight bags of ammonium chloride—a critical chemical precursor for bomb-making.
Forensic Breakthrough: In Kogi State, 12 suspects claiming to be members of Miyetti Allah were arrested. However, forensic analysis of their mobile devices revealed sophisticated coded communications linked directly to established terrorist networks.
Economic Warfare: The Battle for Crude
In the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE maintained its aggressive posture against oil theft. The week’s tally included the recovery of approximately 51,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
Troops successfully dismantled four illegal refining sites across Rivers and Abia States, cutting off a vital revenue stream for criminal syndicates.
