The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained that the recent surge in terrorist attacks and killings in parts of Nigeria is a reaction to sustained military pressure being mounted against insurgent groups by troops across various theatres of operation.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, made the clarification on Thursday during the end-of-month briefing with defence correspondents in Abuja.

Responding to concerns over persistent attacks, killings and kidnappings, Onoja said intensified military operations have significantly weakened terrorist groups, forcing them to resort to attacking soft targets in a bid to remain visible.

According to him, ongoing aggressive operations by the Armed Forces have resulted in the killing of scores of terrorists nationwide, even as others attempt retaliatory actions to magnify their relevance.

“When you put pressure on terrorists, they tend to target soft targets,” he explained. “That is what we are witnessing, but it should not deter us. In due course, they will be smoked out from wherever they are hiding.”

Onoja further attributed the terrorists’ desperation to enhanced international cooperation, particularly with the United States, noting that such pressure has further constrained their operational space.

He urged the media to exercise restraint in reporting terrorist activities, stressing that insurgents thrive on publicity which they use to instil fear and panic within society.

The DMO also clarified that military assistance from the United States to Nigeria comes at no financial cost and does not in any way undermine the country’s sovereignty.

“The American government is interested in combating terrorism globally, and the assistance being rendered to Nigeria is focused on training and strengthening our counter-terrorism efforts,” he said. “Our sovereignty and territorial integrity remain fully intact.”

He advised Nigerians to focus on the operational value of the partnership rather than the number of foreign personnel involved, adding that cooperation in the last two months has already yielded positive results, with more expected.

Reviewing military operations in February 2026, Onoja disclosed that 312 terrorists were arrested nationwide, several others neutralised, 409 kidnapped victims rescued, and 46 insurgents along with their families surrendered to troops.

In the North-East, he said 85 terrorists were arrested, 104 victims rescued, and 46 insurgents surrendered. In the North-West, 36 terrorists were arrested and 104 victims rescued, while the North-Central recorded 78 arrests and 54 rescues.

He added that in the South-South and South-East regions, 59 and 54 terrorists were arrested respectively.

The military, he said, has also intensified measures to regulate the movement of fertiliser, particularly in the North, due to its use in manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

On February 23, 2026, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up conveying vehicle spare parts and fabrics meant for Boko Haram, as well as a truck carrying 460 bags of fertiliser in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Additionally, 42 illegal miners were arrested in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State, disrupting illicit activities linked to insurgency financing.

Onoja also revealed that the arrest of a key terrorist leader on February 21, 2026, in Sarkin Kudu, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, magazines and N2.4 million cash. A wanted logistics supplier was also apprehended on February 23 in Tajimi, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

“These arrests have disrupted criminal finances and encouraged more surrenders,” he noted, adding that the February achievements underscored the Armed Forces’ commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Nigeria.

As Ramadan and Lent begin, the DHQ extended goodwill messages to Nigerians observing the seasons, urging citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities through the emergency line 193, and cooperate with security agencies to ensure peaceful celebrations.