By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, have sustained intensified nationwide operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and other violent crimes, recording major operational successes across the country’s theatres of operation.
According to an official signed statement by Major General Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, troops conducted coordinated land, air, and maritime offensives that led to the neutralization of terrorists, dismantling of criminal enclaves, interception of arms and logistics networks, arrest of collaborators, and rescue of kidnapped victims.
In the North East theatre under Operation HADIN KAI, troops carried out aggressive clearance operations aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities across Borno State. Troops operating in Kirawa, Valle, Ashigashiya, and Gakara areas of Gwoza Local Government Area on 15 May 2026 neutralized two terrorists during a fierce gun battle.
On 16 May 2026, troops working alongside local hunters disrupted insurgent logistics activities at Kwayar Kusar Market in Borno State, arresting four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators found with six cows allegedly intended for illicit sale on behalf of insurgents.
The operations also witnessed significant voluntary surrenders linked to sustained military pressure. On 17 May 2026, a male family member of a terrorist escaped from the Kwatara enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops along the Gwoza-Limankara route. On 19 May 2026, two adult females and seven minors surrendered to troops in Dikwa Local Government Area, while another female identified as Alisha Sale also surrendered in Dikwa town.
Further operations in Kukawa and Nganzai Local Government Areas led to the arrest of a female logistics courier allegedly supplying food items and hijabs to a notorious terrorist commander, Modu Mustapha, operating in Mobbar Local Government Area. Troops also received the surrender of a 20-year-old terrorist suspect, Babakaka Bukar, who handed over an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a mobile phone.
Additional security operations led to the arrest of a suspected logistics supplier at Bama checkpoint with food materials allegedly meant for terrorists, while troops in Yobe State recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle and ammunition from fleeing insurgents.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, troops intensified offensives against terrorists and criminal syndicates operating across Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States.
In Kaduna State, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Kwaga village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area where local vigilantes had resisted the attackers. The operation led to the neutralization of three terrorists and recovery of a G3 rifle, while two injured civilians were evacuated to hospital. Follow-up exploitation operations later recovered additional G3 magazines and 7.62mm NATO ammunition abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
In Katsina State, troops arrested a suspected major gunrunner at General Hospital Batsari while receiving medical treatment. Investigations reportedly linked the suspect to the supply of military-grade weapons to notorious terrorist kingpins including Bello Turji and the late Kachalla Black.
Troops in Zamfara State also repelled attacks on vulnerable communities, neutralized terrorists during firefights in Maradu Local Government Area, and recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, AK-47 rifle, magazines, and 216 rounds of assorted ammunition. Additional fighting patrols in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area forced terrorists to abandon and flee their camps before the destruction of the hideouts by troops.
On 21 May 2026, troops rescued a missing school pupil in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State and later neutralized another terrorist in Sabuwa Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone.
In the North Central region under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops targeted criminal networks facilitating arms trafficking, communication, and logistics support for terrorist groups.
Troops at Forward Operating Base Kaiama arrested a suspected terrorist operative linked to an earlier attack on police personnel at Tenebu village following intelligence intercepts. Another high-profile gang leader travelling from Ndeji to Ilorin was also arrested with incriminating digital evidence found on his mobile devices.
Further intelligence-led operations at Tunga Maje exposed operational links to notorious terrorist leader Abba Salma, while troops intercepted the clandestine movement of a PKT machine gun and AK-47 rifle to an undisclosed location, leading to the arrest of additional collaborators.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops recorded significant successes against kidnapping and criminal networks in Plateau and Bauchi States.
Troops responding to gunfire in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State arrested five fleeing suspects and seized a getaway vehicle. In another operation near Assak village in Bassa Local Government Area, troops pursued armed criminals who abandoned over N2.2 million suspected ransom money while escaping.
In Bauchi State, troops neutralized a terrorist during a clearance operation along the Duguri-Dogon Ruwa-Bogwas axis in Alkaleri Local Government Area. Troops also received two kidnap victims who escaped captivity and safely reunited them with their families.
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops also intensified operations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kogi States.
In Benue State, troops foiled attempts by armed militia groups to disrupt the All Progressives Congress primary elections in Gwer East Local Government Area, arresting one suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, and a getaway vehicle.
In Taraba State, troops arrested a gunrunner linked to the illicit sale of 23 AK-47 rifles to a rogue vigilante leader. Additional raids in Ibi Local Government Area led to the neutralization of two terrorists and recovery of weapons, including a fabricated pistol and ritual vests.
Troops conducting patrols through forest reserves and waterways in Kogi State rescued seven kidnapped victims who had been held captive since 10 May 2026.
In Nasarawa State, troops arrested a compromised vigilante member accused of colluding with kidnappers and lavishly spending ransom proceeds. The suspect reportedly died after suffering medical complications during preliminary investigations.
Additional operations in Benue State led to the arrest of four suspected terrorist collaborators in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area with troops recovering a motorcycle, mobile phones, and camouflage materials.
In the South-South region under Operation DELTA SAFE, troops intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-oil theft operations across Edo, Delta, Cross River, and Rivers States.
Troops conducting Operation KO SALO in Edo State cleared several forest enclaves used by kidnappers, arresting seven suspects and recovering weapons, ammunition components, and motorcycles. Additional sweeps in Owan East Local Government Area resulted in the arrest of two more suspects.
In Delta State, troops dismantled an illegal oil refining site in Amukpe area of Sapele Local Government Area, seizing about 3,000 litres of illegally siphoned crude oil.
Troops in Cross River State intercepted a suspect carrying locally fabricated pistols at a checkpoint in Yakurr Local Government Area, while another operation in Obanliku Local Government Area led to the rescue and arrest of a suspected cultist accused of shooting his mother and attempting to kill his brother.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered vehicles loaded with stolen Premium Motor Spirit concealed around the Eleme Petrochemical Company Limited area, leading to the arrest of several suspects.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East sustained offensives against violent hoodlums and illegal economic activities.
In Ebonyi State, troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition abandoned by fleeing hoodlums during a night patrol operation in Izzi Local Government Area.
Troops also arrested four illegal miners in Ivo Local Government Area while recovering a mini-truck, heavy-duty cables, and other equipment. During the operation, troops displayed restraint and professionalism after coming under attack from a mob attempting to free the suspects, dispersing the crowd with warning shots without recording casualties.
Major General Onoja stated that the coordinated operations across the country have significantly weakened terrorist enclaves, disrupted illegal oil bunkering networks, dismantled criminal supply chains, and restored confidence in affected communities.
The statement added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their bravery, resilience, and professionalism across all operational theatres.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to defending the nation in line with constitutional provisions, international humanitarian law, and established rules of engagement, while urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence.
