The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained coordinated offensives against terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, oil thieves, and other criminal elements across various theatres of operation nationwide, recording major successes in the process.
The military said the operations, conducted between May 15 and 21, 2026, led to the neutralization of terrorists, arrest of criminal collaborators, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of arms and ammunition, and destruction of illegal refining sites.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, noting that troops maintained operational pressure across the North East, North West, North Central, South-South, and South-East regions.
In the North East under Operation HADIN KAI, troops carried out clearance operations in Borno State, killing terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area and disrupting insurgent logistics networks. Troops also arrested suspected cattle rustlers and collaborators linked to insurgents.
The military further revealed that several terrorist family members and suspects surrendered to troops due to intensified military pressure and deteriorating living conditions within insurgent enclaves. Some of the surrendering suspects included women and minors in Dikwa LGA, while another suspect surrendered with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition in Nganzai LGA.
Troops also intercepted food supplies and other logistics allegedly meant for terrorists in Bama and Kukawa LGAs, while additional weapons were recovered in Yobe State.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized terrorists during operations in Kaduna and Zamfara states. Security forces also arrested a suspected notorious gunrunner in Katsina State believed to be supplying weapons to criminal kingpins, including Bello Turji and the late Kachalla Black.
The operations further led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and destruction of terrorist camps in Zamfara State, while troops rescued a missing school pupil in Katsina State.
In the North Central theatre, troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD arrested suspected terrorist operatives and informants linked to attacks on security personnel and illegal arms movements in Kwara State.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops operating in Plateau and Bauchi states arrested criminal suspects, recovered suspected ransom money, neutralized a terrorist during clearance patrols, and reunited escaped kidnap victims with their families.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops recorded significant gains in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. In Benue State, troops prevented armed militia members from disrupting APC primary elections and recovered arms, ammunition, and a getaway vehicle.
Troops in Taraba State arrested a suspected gunrunner linked to the illegal sale of 23 AK-47 rifles, while operations in Kogi forests led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims held captive since May 10.
In the South-South under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations across Edo, Delta, Cross River, and Rivers states.
Security forces arrested suspected kidnappers during forest clearance operations in Edo State and dismantled illegal refining sites in Delta State where thousands of litres of stolen crude oil were recovered.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted several vehicles loaded with stolen Premium Motor Spirit around the Eleme Petrochemical axis and arrested the drivers for investigation.
Meanwhile, in Cross River State, troops rescued a suspected cultist from mob action after he allegedly shot his mother and attempted to kill his brother.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered weapons abandoned by fleeing hoodlums in Ebonyi State and arrested illegal miners engaged in unauthorized mineral extraction activities.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism, and resilience in ongoing operations nationwide.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue aggressive operations against all threats to national security while maintaining strict compliance with international humanitarian law and rules of engagement.
The military also urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing operations across the country.
