The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational successes across several theatres of operation nationwide, Neutralised scores of terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, dismantling illegal arms networks, and recovered large caches of weapons and ammunition between April 30 and May 7, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.
According to him, troops deployed under various joint task forces sustained aggressive offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed herders, gunrunners, and other criminal elements operating across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants across Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and Yobe states. Troops conducting a night ambush in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State neutralised four terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle alongside ammunition.
The military also rescued six abducted women and children in Gwoza LGA of Borno State who were kidnapped during a terrorist raid on Ngoshe community in March. Several terrorist suspects and collaborators were arrested during separate operations in Yobe and Borno states, while some repentant terrorists voluntarily surrendered to troops.
Major General Onoja further revealed that troops successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on troops’ position in Magumeri, Borno State, on May 7. The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base under poor visibility but were decisively defeated after fierce resistance from troops.
He said exploitation of the battle area revealed several terrorist corpses and extensive blood trails, confirming heavy casualties inflicted on the insurgents. Troops also recovered PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines. However, two soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant victories against terrorists and bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states.
Troops neutralised several terrorists during fighting patrols in Kankia, Kankara, and Dutsinma LGAs of Katsina State, recovering AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash.
In Zamfara State, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base Bagega in Anka LGA. Reinforcements supported by Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms engaged the attackers in coordinated air and ground operations.
The military said the operation led to the neutralisation of additional terrorists and recovery of weapons and motorcycles, although one soldier paid the supreme price.
Further operations in Talata-Mafara, Maradun, and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State resulted in the elimination of more terrorists and recovery of machine guns, AK-47 rifles, and assorted ammunition.
In the North Central region, troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE, and WHIRL STROKE conducted several rescue and anti-kidnapping missions across Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Kogi states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Troops rescued kidnapped victims in Kwara and Kogi states, arrested suspected kidnappers, and intercepted ammunition couriers transporting hundreds of rounds of ammunition concealed in vehicles and food items.
One of the major breakthroughs recorded during the period was the dismantling of an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Troops arrested five suspects allegedly caught producing illegal firearms and recovered fabricated AK-47 rifles, revolver components, drilling machines, welding equipment, and other tools used for weapon fabrication.
In Kogi State, troops rescued children abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage and intercepted a suspected ammunition courier transporting 500 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition hidden inside a bag of maize.
Similarly, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE carried out successful anti-kidnapping operations in Edo State, rescuing victims and arresting suspected kidnappers during raids in Owan East and Esan Southeast LGAs.
On May 5, troops in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and vigilante groups arrested nine suspected kidnappers during a coordinated operation in Ukpaja community.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. The suspect was reportedly found with illegal Biafran currency notes believed to be linked to separatist activities.
Speaking on the nationwide operations, Major General Onoja said the military remained committed to restoring peace and security across all parts of the country.
“The Nigerian military is on the march. Communities once abandoned to criminals are being reclaimed. Criminal supply chains are being dismantled, weapons are being seized, and those who take up arms against the Nigerian state are being brought to account,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue to work with other security agencies and civil authorities to sustain ongoing offensives against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity across the country.
The military also paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives during operations and reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens nationwide.
