The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation between June 18 and 25, 2026, intensifying counter-terrorism, counter-banditry, counter-kidnapping, anti-arms trafficking and anti-economic sabotage operations across the country.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the achievements recorded during the period underscore the military’s sustained commitment to restoring peace, security and public confidence across all geopolitical zones.
The statement said troops conducted coordinated land and air operations that led to the neutralisation of terrorists and other criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the arrest of suspected terrorists, arms traffickers and kidnappers, as well as the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, military equipment, communication devices and illegally refined petroleum products.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups in Borno State, compelling 27 terrorists and their family members to surrender. The group, comprising 12 adults and 15 children, was recovered during a fighting patrol in Kukawa Local Government Area before being airlifted to Maiduguri for medical attention and profiling.
The military also disclosed that two teenage girls believed to be relatives of terrorists surrendered to troops in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, attributing their decision to persistent military pressure and deteriorating conditions within terrorist enclaves.
Troops further rescued several abducted women and children, including victims held since the March 2026 terrorist attack on Ngoshe community, while another operation led to the rescue of eight additional escapees, including a widow of a slain Civilian Joint Task Force member and a toddler.
During the review period, troops successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on Buratai District in Biu Local Government Area, recovered an AK-47 rifle and over 200 rounds of ammunition, rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight hijacked vehicles along the Buratai-Kamuya road.
In another operation, two suspected terrorist spies attempting to infiltrate Nigeria through the Banki border crossing were neutralised.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded major breakthroughs in Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states through intelligence-led operations.
The military said troops arrested suspected terrorists in Zamfara State, foiled an attack on Gamdanda village in Gummi Local Government Area through a successful ambush, and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, motorcycles, camouflage items and food supplies.
Security operatives also intercepted three suspected terrorist collaborators during the processing of a pilgrim flight at Gusau International Airport, while separate operations in Kaduna led to the arrest of suspected bandits and terrorist scouts.
Further clearance operations in Katsina and Zamfara states resulted in the neutralisation of several bandits, while troops recovered PKT machine guns, AK-47 magazines, ammunition, motorcycles, military camouflage uniforms and chains reportedly used to restrain kidnap victims.
In Kano State, troops raided a suspected terrorist hideout, arresting a suspect and recovering locally fabricated firearms and ammunition.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded a major success in Ogun State after responding to a kidnapping incident in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
According to the military, two kidnappers were neutralised during a gun battle at their forest hideout, while troops recovered firearms, cartridges, mobile phones and ₦2.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. Efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects are ongoing.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint in Gwagwalada Area Council after he allegedly attempted to bribe security personnel.
A forensic examination of mobile phones recovered from the suspect reportedly revealed photographs linking him to terrorist activities, including images showing weapons, ammunition and large sums of cash.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also disrupted a major arms trafficking network after intercepting a vehicle transporting weapons along the Sokoto-Kano highway.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, Beretta pistols, ammunition, communication radios and camouflage jackets.
Another suspect transporting 174 rounds of ammunition was arrested during a routine patrol along the Toto-Abaji road in Nasarawa State.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft and economic sabotage across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Cross River states.
The military said naval personnel intercepted over 166,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Rivers State through separate operations, while troops also intercepted a truck conveying 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated diesel along the Itu-Calabar road in Akwa Ibom State.
Operations in Edo State led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers identified by one of their victims, while another rescue mission freed two kidnapped persons after troops stormed a criminal hideout in Uhiere Forest.
A joint operation in Cross River State resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of firearms, cartridges and military gear.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on armed separatist groups through clearance operations across Imo and Anambra states.
The military said a suspected logistics courier was neutralised after attempting to escape during an operation on the Imo-Rivers boundary.
In a separate encounter in Anambra State, troops engaged suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), neutralising three of them during a gun battle.
Recovered items included a PKM machine gun, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, police uniforms, mobile phones and a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
The Nigerian Air Force also conducted precision air interdiction missions in Kaduna State in support of ground troops, targeting terrorist hideouts in the Kidandan area of Giwa Local Government Area.
The air strikes reportedly neutralised several terrorists, destroyed logistics bases and disrupted the operational activities of armed groups in the area.
Major General Onoja said the cumulative successes recorded during the period demonstrate the steady degradation of terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
He added that the Armed Forces would continue to intensify joint operations in collaboration with other security agencies, local communities, the Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilante groups to consolidate existing gains and restore lasting peace.
The statement further conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, who praised the gallantry, discipline and professionalism of troops deployed across all operational theatres.
General Oluyede also expressed appreciation to civilian communities, local vigilante groups and other security agencies for their continued support and intelligence, assuring Nigerians that the military would sustain its operational momentum until every part of the country is secure and displaced citizens can safely return to their communities.
