The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified the rationale behind the escalation in cases of attacks and killings by terrorists in some parts of the country in recent times, saying that it was due to pressures being mounted on them by troops through aggressive operations.

The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed this at the end of the month briefing with Defence Correspondents in Abuja, while responding to questions on the incessant attacks, killings and kidnappings by the terrorists.

Gen Onoja, however, disclosed that scores of terrorists were being killed across the country in ongoing major operations by the gallant Troops.

According to him, “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, in the course of time the terrorists would be smoked out from wherever they are”.

“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.

The DMO further explained that terrorists needed the oxygen of broadcasting their activities, but urged the media to be more modest in reporting some of their activities so that they would not achieve what they wanted to achieve, which was to cause panic within society.

This came just as he also clarified that the military assistance being provided by the United States government to Nigeria was at no cost and does not in any way undermine the country’s sovereignty.

Gen Onoja, explained that the support from the US was focused on training Nigerian troops and strengthening ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, stressing that the collaboration should not be viewed as abnormal.

According to him, “the American government is interested in combating terrorism and the assistance being rendered to Nigeria comes at no cost.”

He stated that Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security remained intact, adding that no aspect of the country’s sovereignty has been compromised.

According to him, “Our sovereignty is intact. Our territorial integrity is intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty.

He urged the public to focus on the value the partnership adds to Nigeria’s operations rather than the number of foreign personnel involved.

According to him, the cooperation in the last two months has already yielded positive outcomes, with more results expected in the coming days.

Speaking on the activities of the troops in the month of February 2026 under review, Gen Onoja disclosed that a total of 312 terrorists were arrested, apart from several of them being neutralised, 409 kidnapped victims rescued, while 46 insurgents and their families surrendered.

According to him, “in the North East, 85 terrorists were arrested, while 104 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 46 insurgents and their families gave themselves up to troops during the period.

He added in the North West, troops arrested 36 terrorists and rescued 104, while in the North Central, 78 terrorists were nabbed and 54 rescued.

“In the South South and South East, 59 terrorists and 54 terrorists were arrested, respectively, Onoja said.

The DMO further added that the military was taking measures to checkmate the movement of fertiliser, especially in the North, as it is one of the components being used for making Improvised Explosive Device (IED) 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 fertilisers 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.

Gen Onoja Onoja pointed out 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.

“These arrests disrupted and impacted criminal finances and encouraged surrenders,” he added.

He said the achievements in February showed the Armed Forces’ steadfast dedication to building a safe and secure Nigeria.

According to him, “as the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent commence, the AFN extends 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.” (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news