The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country, neutralising terrorists, arresting criminal collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering weapons and ammunition during coordinated military operations conducted between May 28 and June 4, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting the achievements of various military task forces operating across the six geopolitical zones.
According to the military, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East arrested several suspected terrorists, kidnappers, and informants across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi states. Among those arrested was a suspected kidnapper in Biu, Borno State, who confessed to using weapons obtained from neutralised terrorists to carry out kidnappings and cattle rustling. Troops also rescued several escapees from terrorist enclaves and recorded fresh surrenders by individuals fleeing Boko Haram and ISWAP camps due to sustained military pressure.
In the North-West, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised terrorists in Katsina and Zamfara states while foiling attempted abductions and arresting a notorious terrorist kingpin who had reportedly been hiding among traders at a weekly market in Zamfara State.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger State recorded a major victory when troops repelled a terrorist ambush following a clearance operation in Borgu Local Government Area. The troops neutralised scores of terrorists and recovered 15 motorcycles as well as 253 rounds of ammunition. The operation also led to the arrest of a wanted terrorist informant.
Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued five kidnapped passengers in Kaduna State after discovering an abandoned vehicle along a highway. Two injured victims were evacuated for medical treatment, while efforts continue to locate two missing persons.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised a terrorist in Kogi State and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, and communication equipment. The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Taraba State and five suspects linked to illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State, where explosives and mining equipment were recovered.
The military also recorded breakthroughs in anti-kidnapping operations. Troops rescued kidnapped victims in Nasarawa and Kogi states, while ongoing operations are aimed at securing the release of other captives still in the custody of criminal elements.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE disrupted kidnapping networks in Edo State through a series of arrests, including suspects who allegedly planned to abduct a medical practitioner and the wife of a deceased senior military officer. Troops also recovered locally fabricated firearms and motorcycles during a raid on an abandoned vigilante post in Delta State.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East arrested suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia and Anambra states. In Ebonyi State, security forces successfully rescued village chiefs held hostage following a community leadership dispute and arrested three suspects involved in the incident.
Major General Onoja said the operations significantly degraded the capabilities of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, arms traffickers, and other criminal groups across the country.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to protecting lives and property, stressing that military operations are being conducted in line with constitutional provisions, international humanitarian law, and established rules of engagement.
The Defence Headquarters also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, urging members of the public to report suspicious activities through the nearest security formations or via the military’s toll-free emergency line, 193.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, commended troops for their courage, resilience, and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that military operations would continue until lasting peace and security are achieved nationwide.
