The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained that the recent escalation in attacks and killings by terrorists across various theatres in the North is a result of sustained pressure mounted on them by troops through aggressive operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a recent news briefing while responding to questions on the incessant attacks, killings and kidnappings by terrorists.
Onoja, however, said scores of terrorists were being killed across the country, assuring that their decimation is ongoing.
“You know, one of the things with terrorists is that when you put pressure on them, they are likely to target soft targets.
“I also want to let you know that that is what they are doing. But that should not deter us,” he said, adding that in due course the terrorists would be smoked out “from wherever they are.”
He added: “What is happening is that due to the pressure that the cooperation with America is bringing to bear on them, they are now targeting soft targets in order to magnify their operations.”
Onoja further said terrorists rely on the “oxygen” of publicity to amplify their activities and urged the media to be more measured in reporting some incidents so as not to help them achieve their aim of causing panic in society.
He stressed that assistance from the Americans is adding value to troops’ operations, expressing confidence that the results would soon be evident.
Giving an account of troops’ achievements in February 2026, the DMO said a total of 312 terrorists were arrested, several others were neutralised, 409 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 46 insurgents and their families surrendered.
Providing a breakdown, he said that in the North-East, 85 terrorists were arrested, 104 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 46 insurgents and their families surrendered during the period.
In the North-West, troops arrested 36 terrorists and rescued 104 victims, while in the North-Central, 78 terrorists were arrested and 54 victims rescued.
In the South-South and South-East, 59 and 54 terrorists were arrested, respectively, he said.
The military, he added, is taking measures to checkmate the movement of fertiliser, especially in the North, as it is one of the components used in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by terrorists.
According to him, on 23 February 2026, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up laden with vehicle spares and fabrics destined for Boko Haram, alongside a truck carrying 460 bags of fertiliser in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He also said 42 illegal miners were apprehended in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State, thereby disrupting illicit activities that fund insurgency.
Onoja further disclosed that the arrest of a key terrorist on 21 February 2026 in Sarkin Kudu, Ibi LGA of Taraba State, led to the recovery of arms, magazines, ammunition and N2.4 million, while a wanted logistics supplier was apprehended on 23 February 2026 in Tajimi, Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
“These arrests disrupted and impacted criminal finances and encouraged surrenders,” he said.
He noted that the February achievements demonstrate the Armed Forces’ steadfast dedication to building a safe and secure Nigeria.
“As the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent commence, the Armed Forces of Nigeria extend heartfelt best wishes to all observing these periods of reflection, prayer and communal harmony.
“We urge everyone to remain security-conscious, report any suspicious activity promptly via our emergency line 193, and collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful and incident-free observances.”
