The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have neutralised at least 64 terrorists and rescued 39 kidnapped victims during sustained military operations across the country between August 7 and 13, 2026.
The operations, which were conducted across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East theatres, also resulted in the arrest of terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and other criminal elements, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition, cash and large quantities of suspected stolen petroleum products.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to degrade terrorist networks in Borno and Adamawa States.
Among the successes recorded were the neutralisation of a terrorist in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, the arrest of logistics facilitators and terrorist collaborators, and the surrender of 19 terrorists, women, children and teenagers at different locations in Borno State.
Troops also rescued five female abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops engaged terrorists across Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States, forcing some to withdraw and recovering motorcycles, communication equipment and weapons.
Troops also arrested two foreign nationals suspected to be Improvised Explosive Device (IED) experts in Zurmi, Zamfara State, while another suspected terrorist logistics supplier was arrested along the Gwarzo-Kano Road.
A major success was recorded in Kebbi State on August 10 when troops neutralised 18 terrorists during an encounter at Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area.
In the North-Central, Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescued 25 kidnapped victims in Kogi State in two separate operations. Sixteen victims were rescued along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe axes, while nine others were rescued along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops also rescued nine male kidnap victims in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops rescued a kidnapped woman in Plateau State after sustained pressure forced her abductors to abandon her.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued a kidnapped farmer in Edo State and recovered ₦1.5 million ransom money.
Troops also intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State, recovering approximately 24,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 17,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, and discovering concealed storage facilities containing about 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops dismantled a kidnap syndicate operating across Enugu and adjoining states.
One syndicate commander was neutralised, another suspect was wounded and arrested, while additional arrests led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from a forest hideout.
The Air Component also recorded significant successes in Niger State.
On August 9, an armed reconnaissance mission over Sangeko and Baba-Doka in Mariga Local Government Area engaged a large concentration of terrorists. Initial reports indicated the recovery of approximately 120 bodies and about 300 motorcycles at the location.
In another operation on August 13, an air strike against terrorists fleeing with rustled cattle around Maburya in Mariga Local Government Area resulted in the neutralisation of 46 terrorists.
The Defence Media Operations Directorate said the operations demonstrated the sustained tempo and coordination of the Armed Forces in confronting terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other forms of criminality across the country.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their commitment and bravery across all theatres of operation.
He also appreciated the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, local security groups and other security agencies for their collaboration, while urging Nigerians to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
General Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would remain resolute in protecting lives and property and would not relent until peace and stability are fully restored across the country.
