The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded major operational successes against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across various theatres of operation between May 25 and 28, 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the sustained offensives by troops led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of collaborators and rescue of kidnapped victims in different parts of the country.
According to the DHQ, troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI carried out successful fighting patrols and ambush operations in Borno, Taraba and Yobe states, killing several terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition. Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Alhaji Gambo in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military further revealed that pressure mounted on terrorist enclaves in the North East forced some family members and abductees to escape from camps and surrender to troops. Four rescued abductees, including three women, were handed over to troops in Gwoza after their rescue by the Cameroon Defence Force.
In another operation along the Bam-Buratai axis in Biu LGA of Borno State, troops reportedly repelled terrorists attempting to regroup, killing five insurgents and recovering 169 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition without recording casualties on the side of troops.
Similarly, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA operating in Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states arrested suspected terrorist members and destroyed terrorist camps during clearance operations. The operation also led to the rescue of 31 kidnapped victims along the Bagega-Kawaye Road in Zamfara State following air strikes by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships.
The DHQ also disclosed that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD facilitated the release of 148 kidnapped victims, mostly women and children, who had been held captive for over three months after being abducted from Galma Village in Niger State.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya during a raid on his hideout in Kauru Local Government Area. Troops also rescued injured victims following an attack on Lusuru Village in Zangon Kataf LGA.
Operations against illicit drug trafficking also recorded breakthroughs in Benue State under Operation WHIRL STROKE. Troops impounded vehicles allegedly used for drug distribution and recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, alongside cash and other items.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, in collaboration with security agencies, carried out clearance operations in Edo State forests and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during an ambush operation along the Ohe-Uzea Road. Several weapons, hard drugs and personal items were recovered during the operation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East arrested suspected IPOB/ESN members during raids in Ebonyi State and apprehended two suspects accused of attempting to abduct female farmers in Abia State.
The Defence Headquarters said the achievements reflect the Armed Forces’ commitment under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, to restoring peace and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country.
The military also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, assuring citizens that all information provided would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
