The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational successes across the country, with troops rescued kidnapped citizens, neutralised terrorists, arrested suspected collaborators and recovered weapons and illicit economic assets during operations conducted between June 12 and 18, 2026.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a statement on Friday, said troops across multiple theatres degraded the capabilities of terrorists, criminal groups, kidnappers and economic saboteurs, while strengthening security around vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, rescuing civilians and disrupting insurgent supply networks.
According to the military, troops on the Damasak-Gubio route in Borno State rescued civilians held hostage by terrorists after the attackers fled upon sighting the troops. Other operations in Gwoza and Bama Local Government Areas led to the recovery of ammunition, motorcycles and the arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators.
The military also disclosed the arrest of individuals allegedly linked to insurgent intelligence and logistics networks, including suspects accused of helping terrorists operate within communities and forest enclaves.
In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out successful operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States, neutralising terrorists, destroying camps and recovering arms.
The operations also led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims in Zamfara State who escaped captivity following military air operations, while additional victims were freed in Kaduna and Zamfara during search-and-rescue missions.
Across the North Central region, troops of Operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke disrupted terrorist activities and criminal networks in Kwara, Oyo, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States.
The military arrested several suspected terrorists, informants and arms couriers, including individuals linked to kidnapping operations and attacks on communities. Weapons, ammunition and communication materials were recovered during the operations.
In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil theft and maritime crimes, intercepting large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products.
The operations led to the seizure of trucks and boats conveying thousands of litres of illegally obtained crude products, while troops also arrested suspected members of kidnapping syndicates in Edo State.
Similarly, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested suspected members and logistics operatives linked to outlawed groups operating in Abia and Imo States.
The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma also provided aerial security support to the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor after a technical challenge affected train movement, conducting patrols along the railway and surrounding areas.
Beyond combat operations, the Armed Forces sustained civil-military cooperation activities, distributing agricultural support materials to farmers in Jigawa State as part of efforts to strengthen community relations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and coordination with sister security agencies, assuring Nigerians that ongoing operations would continue until criminal networks are completely dismantled.
He urged citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information, stressing that national security remained a collective responsibility.
