By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded a series of major operational breakthroughs across multiple theatres of operation during the past week, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, rescuing kidnapped victims, dismantling illegal oil refining sites, and recovering large quantities of weapons, ammunition and illicit materials.
A comprehensive summary of the operations was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who detailed the activities of troops deployed across the country’s geopolitical zones in coordinated counter-terrorism, anti-banditry and anti-criminality missions.
The statement noted that troops conducted sustained kinetic operations, foiled terrorist attacks, disrupted criminal logistics networks and rescued several kidnapped citizens while maintaining pressure on insurgent and criminal elements nationwide.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained aggressive operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba and Gombe states.
On April 4, 2026, troops observed terrorists advancing towards Dikwa town through Mallam Maja village in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State. Mortar and artillery fire were immediately deployed to disrupt the terrorists’ movement and disperse them. When the insurgents attempted to regroup, troops again engaged them with sustained artillery fire, forcing them to abandon the operation and retreat.
Two days later, on April 6, troops deployed in an ambush operation intercepted terrorist logistics elements near Zubulum village in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised while others fled. Troops recovered 350 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition, one bag of salt, two microphones and eight clothing mats.
Also on April 6, a suspect identified as Fidelis Thomas from Gbato village in Wukari LGA of Taraba State was apprehended at Rafin Kada by community youths following intelligence from the Tiv community linking him to terror activities along the Rafin Kada–Wukari Road. He was subsequently handed over to troops.
However, on April 9, troops deployed in Benisheikh in Kaga LGA of Borno State came under a terrorist attack. Troops successfully engaged the insurgents and held their position, though the encounter resulted in casualties. Among those who paid the supreme price were the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, and three other personnel of the Armed Forces.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA continued sustained offensives against terrorists operating across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
On April 3, troops at a Forward Operating Base in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Bashir Ahmed Bade from Tungan Haki village. Recovered from him were an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
On April 5, troops in Matazu LGA of Katsina State responded to a distress call about terrorist activities in Matazu and Sayaya villages. The terrorists fled but later set ablaze a Comprehensive Health Centre and two vehicles in Sayaya village before reinforcements arrived. Troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw.
The Governor of Katsina State, Umar Dikko Radda, later visited the affected community to assess the situation and commended the troops for their prompt response.
The same day, troops also rescued 31 hostages after pursuing terrorists who had attacked an ECWA Church in Ariko village in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State.
Further operations on April 6 in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State led to the neutralisation of another terrorist and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 12 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.
On April 8, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Mallam Kabiru who was reportedly seen with a notorious terrorist kingpin known as Mallam Ado Alero shortly after a clash with troops in Tsafe LGA.
The same day in Sokoto State, troops responded to an attack in Gidan Madi village in Wurno LGA where terrorists had abducted residents. Troops laid an ambush at a known crossing route, forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and rescued 18 villagers, including two infants. The victims were later handed over to the traditional ruler of Wurno.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE sustained strong operations across Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
On April 3, troops neutralised three terrorists during an operation in the Kerem area of Wase LGA in Plateau State. The same day, troops in Vandeikya LGA of Benue State arrested a suspected terrorist associate disguised in a hijab. The suspect led troops to a hideout where contact was made with terrorists who fled. Another suspect was arrested and two AK-47 magazines were recovered.
On April 4, troops in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State rescued a kidnapped victim identified as Saheed Sule who had escaped from his abductors after being kidnapped on April 1 at Akata Odo-Ere.
Also on the same day, troops conducted an ambush along the Tunga–Atsawa Road in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State, neutralising one terrorist and recovering a motorcycle and N50,000 cash. Additional engagements along the Babangida–Adua Road resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists and the recovery of a locally made gun and ammunition.
On April 5, troops intercepted four suspected terrorists in Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State in possession of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. During a follow-up operation to apprehend other members of the syndicate, troops came under attack and neutralised three of the suspects.
Further operations on April 8 in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State foiled terrorist attacks along the Razat/Kafi Abu Road. Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and rounds of ammunition.
On April 9, troops and vigilantes engaged terrorists between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest in Wase LGA, neutralising 10 terrorists while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, two motorcycles and five jerrycans of petroleum motor spirit.
During sustained offensives into terrorist enclaves in Dogon Ruwa, Bogwas and Daji Madam Forest, troops destroyed several camps including one belonging to a notorious criminal identified as Auta Kachalla. Twenty-one kidnapped victims were rescued while several motorcycles were destroyed. Troops also recovered a G3 rifle, four magazines, three generating sets and a solar panel.
In a separate development on April 8, troops arrested a suspected mastermind of killings in Agbechichia village and cattle rustling activities in Marinde village identified as Ahambee Iondu.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD also intensified anti-kidnapping and counter-terrorism operations across Kwara and Niger states. On April 4, terrorists attacked a patrol base in Pategi LGA of Kwara State but were repelled without casualties. Troops recovered four AK-47 magazines, 15 rounds of ammunition, a power bank, three pairs of shoes and a waist belt.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
On April 3, following the arrest of an IPOB/ESN informant and courier, troops recovered four improvised explosive devices in Umuchima Forest in Isialangwa North LGA of Abia State. The explosives were later safely detonated.
On April 5, troops at a checkpoint in Awka LGA of Anambra State arrested one Solomon John with 75 live cartridges concealed in his bag. He claimed the ammunition was given to him by a friend identified as “Manager.”
Another operation on April 6 in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services targeted the camp of a notorious terrorist leader known as “Aluta” in Egbema West LGA of Imo State. One terrorist was neutralised while another suspect with a gunshot wound was arrested. Troops recovered a laptop and two radios before destroying the camp.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft and other criminal activities.
On April 2, troops conducted an operation around the Eleme pipeline in Okrika LGA of Rivers State, recovering a Mitsubishi vehicle containing about 900 litres of illegally siphoned petrol stored in drums.
On April 4, troops uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site in Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA where they discovered a 500-metre galvanised pipe, two hoses measuring about 50 metres each and a large reservoir containing approximately 5,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
In Delta State on April 7, troops arrested two suspects at Ogidigben community in Warri South West LGA and recovered four AK-47 rifles, six magazines, 106 rounds of ammunition, two knives and ten machetes.
Another operation on April 8 at Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South LGA resulted in a gun battle with kidnappers. Troops neutralised one of the criminals, wounded several others and rescued two kidnapped victims. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones, a National Identity Number card, a USB cable and N4,599,000 believed to be ransom money. The recovered exhibits were handed over to the Nigeria Police anti-kidnap unit for further investigation.
While highlighting the successes, the Defence Headquarters also paid tribute to soldiers who died during the Benisheikh encounter.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers and soldiers, noting that their courage and sacrifice represent the highest ideals of military service.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would remain resolute in its mission to secure the country, stressing that ongoing operations across all theatres would intensify as a tribute to the fallen heroes who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.
