The Nigeria military has intensified its nationwide offensive against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and economic sabotage, rescuing 129 kidnapped victims, destroying terrorist camps, neutralising scores of terrorists and arresting suspected criminals during coordinated operations conducted across the country between July 3 and 9, 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on the operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to him, troops operating under the various Joint Task Forces maintained sustained offensive operations that disrupted terrorist logistics networks, destroyed criminal infrastructure, intercepted arms traffickers, rescued abducted civilians and safeguarded critical national assets.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued six farmers abducted in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State during a search-and-rescue operation in Chibok. The victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Chibok for medical treatment and provided with relief materials.
The troops also destroyed ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) logistics and life-support structures in Wulgo, Hausari, Danbaure and Jegarawaji communities of Ngala Local Government Area. A suspected terrorist informant was arrested after investigations linked him to identifying wealthy residents for terrorist kidnappings in Monguno.
Major General Onoja added that several family members of suspected terrorists surrendered to troops in Gwoza and Dikwa, while troops intercepted logistics suppliers conveying construction materials, solar panels, motorcycle tyres and other supplies meant for terrorist enclaves.
In separate operations, troops rescued two additional abductees, recovered ₦1.2 million suspected ransom money, arrested a wanted criminal in Adamawa State and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and ammunition.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained pressure on terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states through fighting patrols, ambushes and targeted raids.
The operations led to the recovery of AK-47 rifles, RPG rockets, ammunition, motorcycles, rustled livestock and the arrest of suspected informants and logistics suppliers. Troops also intercepted metal bed frames and steel plates believed to be intended for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
In the North Central, troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE recorded significant successes in Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
The military neutralised a notorious terrorist kingpin identified as Puuga in Benue State, recovered weapons, arrested suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, and dismantled arms trafficking networks.
Following separate intelligence-led operations, troops recovered 249 rustled cattle from the camp of a neutralised terrorist leader in Kogi State and arrested suspected collaborators linked to criminal syndicates.
The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped victims, including 72-year-old Mrs Lydia Odegba, mother-in-law of the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Others rescued included Mrs Kuburat Mustapha in Kogi State, a pregnant woman, Mrs Hauwa Adamu, who escaped from captivity due to sustained military pressure, as well as two farmers intercepted along the Kogi-Kwara boundary after escaping from their abductors.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 37 traders and crew members abducted by sea pirates along the Oron-Ibaka waterways in Akwa Ibom State after engaging the criminals in a gun battle.
Working with the Department of State Services (DSS), troops also arrested notorious kidnap kingpin Saidu Mohammed and another gang member in Edo State.
The military intensified operations against oil thieves by dismantling several illegal refining sites in Rivers State, deactivating refining ovens, reservoirs and dugout pits, while recovering about 205,680 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA raided criminal hideouts in Imo and Enugu states, recovering a pump-action gun, a double-barrel gun, military camouflage uniforms, face masks and other items allegedly used by criminals to impersonate security personnel.
The troops also destroyed a large illegal oil bunkering site in Abia State containing 70 illegal refining pits, petroleum products and specialised equipment.
Major General Onoja said the Air Component of the Armed Forces also provided decisive support through precision air interdictions and armed reconnaissance missions.
According to him, air operations enabled the escape of nine kidnapped victims in Niger State and neutralised terrorists attempting to move over 100 rustled cattle through Riyawa Forest after tracking them from the air.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and courage, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised officers and soldiers for their gallantry and unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
He also paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country.
