The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational successes against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities across different parts of the country between May 25 and 28, 2026, with several terrorists neutralised, suspected collaborators arrested, and kidnapped victims rescued.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing on ongoing military operations nationwide.
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops under various Joint Task Forces sustained pressure on criminal elements across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised terrorists during fighting patrols in Taraba and Borno states, while several weapons and ammunition were recovered. A suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Alhaji Gambo was also arrested in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military further revealed that sustained offensives forced some terrorists and their family members to surrender. Four abductees rescued by the Cameroon Defence Force were handed over to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Troops also foiled terrorist movements along the Bam-Buratai axis in Biu Local Government Area, killing five insurgents and recovering ammunition. In Yobe State, an ambush operation along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi Road led to the killing of four terrorists and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested a suspected member of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi State. Investigations reportedly uncovered photographs of suspected terrorists wielding sophisticated weapons stored on the suspect’s memory card.
Operations in Zamfara and Katsina states also resulted in the killing of terrorists, destruction of camps, and recovery of rifles and motorcycles. Troops additionally rescued 31 kidnapped victims in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State after the victims escaped during a Nigerian Air Force airstrike around Bagega Forest.
The military also announced a major humanitarian breakthrough under Operation Savannah Shield, where 148 kidnapped victims, including women and children, were released after spending over three months in captivity in Kuyambana Forest. The victims, abducted from Niger State, were reunited with local authorities in Bangi.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued two injured victims following an attack in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya during a raid on his hideout in Kauru Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke intensified anti-drug operations in Benue State, recovering large quantities of suspected illicit drugs, methamphetamine, cash, phones, and other items linked to drug trafficking activities in Makurdi.
In the South-South region, Operation Delta Safe troops, working with police and other security agencies, carried out clearance operations in Edo State forests, leading to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of firearms.
Another operation along the Ohe–Uzea Road resulted in the killing of a suspected kidnapper and seizure of weapons, hard drugs, ATM cards, and other items.
Similarly, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested suspected IPOB/ESN members during raids in Ebonyi State.
The military said items bearing IPOB/ESN insignia were recovered during the operation. Two additional suspects accused of attempting to abduct female farmers in Abia State were also apprehended.
The Defence Headquarters said the achievements demonstrate the commitment of the Armed Forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa Olufemi Oluyede, to restoring peace and security across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality threatening national security,” the statement said.
The military urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring citizens that all information received would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.