The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded major operational successes across all theatres in April 2026, neutralising a total of 201 terrorists, rescuing 188 abducted civilians, destroyed numerous terrorist enclaves, and arrested 284 suspects.
Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Michael Onoja, revealed this while briefing journalists on the monthly operational update at the Defence Headquarters on Thursday.
In the North East theatre, troops of Operation Hadin Kai maintained unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements across Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states. The operations resulted in the neutralisation of 136 terrorists, the arrest of 114 suspects, the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims, and the surrender of nine insurgents with their families. Key engagements included a major repulsion of a terrorist assault in Kukareta, Damaturu LGA of Yobe State, where 21 terrorists were neutralised and a cache of weapons recovered. Additional clearance operations in Bulabulin Forest and Guduf led to further terrorist casualties and the destruction of several camps.
In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma delivered strong results across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, neutralising 20 terrorists, arresting 32 suspects, rescuing 70 kidnapped victims, and facilitating the surrender of one insurgent. Notable achievements included the rescue of 31 worshippers abducted from an ECWA Church in Kachia LGA, Kaduna State, and 18 locals, including two infants, in Wurno LGA, Sokoto State. Troops also destroyed multiple terrorist camps during sustained patrols.
Across the North Central region, operations under Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, and Whirl Stroke yielded significant gains in Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. Troops neutralised dozens of terrorists, arrested many suspects, and rescued over 90 kidnapped victims. Highlights included the destruction of an illegal weapons manufacturing hideout in Plateau State and the successful repulsion of an attack on Wamba community in Niger State.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe dismantled two illegal refining sites and recovered over 101,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, while rescuing several abducted civilians in Delta and Edo states.
In the South East, Operation Udo Ka targeted IPOB/ESN elements, neutralising three terrorists, arresting 16 suspects including key ring leaders, and destroying a major enclave in Ajali Forest, Enugu State, along with logistics infrastructure and improvised explosive devices.
Maj. Gen. Onoja stated that these coordinated efforts have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist and criminal networks nationwide.
