The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant victories against terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other criminal activities across the country, rescuing 360 abducted civilians and arresting scores of suspects during operations conducted between June 5 and June 11, 2026.
The achievements were disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a briefing on ongoing military operations nationwide.
According to the Defence Headquarters, one of the most remarkable successes was recorded in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai, where troops launched a coordinated assault on terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State. The operation led to the rescue of 360 civilians, mainly women and children, who had been held captive since terrorists attacked Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area in March.
The military said 358 of the rescued victims were safely evacuated and received medical treatment, while two infants tragically died due to the harsh conditions encountered during the evacuation process.
Troops also recovered several women and children who escaped from terrorist camps in Gwoza and intercepted additional abductees who fled from insurgent hideouts following sustained military bombardments. A 20-year-old terrorist identified as Fannami Ali also surrendered to troops in Monguno, Borno State.
In separate operations across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, troops arrested suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, while recovering ammunition, motorcycles, communication gadgets, narcotics and other materials allegedly meant for insurgents.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major breakthroughs against bandits and arms traffickers. Security forces intercepted an alleged arms dealer in Zamfara State with over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a sack of millet. The intended recipient was later tracked and arrested.
Military operations in Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states also led to the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of motorcycles and communication equipment, and the destruction of criminal hideouts.
In Niger State, troops under Operation Savannah Shield arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and recovered mobile phones, propaganda materials linked to terrorist groups, cash and a motorcycle.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State rescued kidnapped victims, arrested suspected informants and apprehended wanted kidnappers identified by one of their former victims.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops operating in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states recovered weapons and ammunition from fleeing criminals, rescued kidnap victims and disrupted attacks on commuters along major highways.
The military also intensified efforts against oil theft in the South-South region. Troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal refining sites, intercepted thousands of litres of suspected stolen petroleum products and arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo State.
In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka recorded major successes against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Joint operations involving troops and operatives of the Department of State Services led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, a General Purpose Machine Gun, an RPG launcher, hand grenades and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The military also dismantled a suspected crude oil storage facility in Imo State and recovered weapons and cash linked to criminal activities in Ebonyi State.
Commending troops for their courage and professionalism, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism and criminality across the country.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, assuring that information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The Defence Headquarters said the successes recorded during the week reflect the Armed Forces’ determination to safeguard lives, protect national assets and restore peace in affected communities across Nigeria.
