The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says its troops recorded significant operational successes across various theatres of operation between June 30 and July 2, 2026, including the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims, the arrest of terror suspects and collaborators, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the surrender of terrorists and their family members.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops sustained coordinated operations nationwide, neutralising terrorists, foiling attacks, disrupting criminal networks and recovering logistics intended for terrorist groups.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers on the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala road in Borno State while transporting items suspected to be meant for terrorists’ enclaves. Troops also repelled an attack on Kurnari community in Biu Local Government Area, recovering explosives, ammunition and communication equipment.
The military also recorded fresh surrenders as the wife of a terrorist and her five children surrendered in Monguno, while another suspected terrorist fled a camp in the Lake Chad region and surrendered in Mobbar Local Government Area, citing harsh conditions in the terrorists’ camp.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued a female kidnap victim during an ambush operation in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State after terrorists abandoned her while fleeing military pressure. A mobile phone believed to belong to one of the fleeing terrorists was recovered for forensic analysis.
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops in the North-Central recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Taraba State. They also rescued three kidnap victims, including a soldier abducted along the Akwanga–Gwatu road in Nasarawa State.
In separate operations in Benue and Kogi states, troops responded to distress calls, forcing kidnappers to flee and rescuing six additional victims. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals and rescue other abductees are ongoing.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested two suspected kidnappers in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State after they allegedly conducted surveillance on military patrol activities around a hotel. The suspects have been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified operations in the South-East, neutralising a suspected member of the proscribed IPOB/ESN during a gun battle in Anambra State while other suspects escaped with gunshot wounds.
In Abia State, troops recovered a locally made pistol after a suspected cultist fled during an attempted arrest.
Further operations in Imo and Enugu states led to the arrest of a suspected armourer, logistics courier and an alleged IPOB/ESN member. Troops recovered assault rifles, magazines, large quantities of ammunition, pump-action guns, a pistol, suspected improvised explosive device materials and other incriminating items.
Commending troops for their professionalism and courage, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining operations until terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities are decisively defeated.
He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, describing collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups as critical to consolidating the gains recorded across the country.
