The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has sustained coordinated offensive operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones, recording major successes against terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers, oil thieves and other criminal elements between 3 and 9 July 2026.
According to an official statement, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed that the military maintained an aggressive operational posture under unified commands, dismantling insurgent camps, intercepting logistics networks, rescuing abducted victims and protecting critical national assets.
He stated that the sustained operations demonstrated the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security and socio-economic stability across the country through rapid-response missions and continuous dominance of operational environments.
Major General Onoja disclosed that in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued six abducted farmers in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, destroyed terrorist logistics bases in Wulgo, Hausari, Danbaure and Jegarawaji in Ngala LGA, arrested a suspected terrorist informant and received the surrender of women, children and family members linked to terrorist groups in Dikwa and Gwoza LGAs.
He further revealed that troops arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno and Yobe States, intercepted supplies including solar panels, construction materials and motorcycle tyres intended for terrorist enclaves, rescued two additional abductees in Askira Uba LGA, recovered ₦1.2 million believed to be ransom money, and arrested a wanted criminal in Adamawa State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines and ammunition.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified combat patrols across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States, engaging terrorists during fighting patrols, foiling cattle rustling attempts and recovering firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and rustled livestock, which were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities.
According to him, troops also disrupted terrorist logistics by arresting suspects transporting metal bed frames and plates intended for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), apprehended a suspected terrorist informant in Kebbi State, and neutralised a terrorist during an offensive operation in Zamfara State while recovering two AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade rounds and a motorcycle.
Major General Onoja said troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD disrupted terrorist logistics and weapons trafficking networks in Niger and Kwara States, recovering motorcycles, fuel supplies and arresting suspected arms suppliers during intelligence-led operations.
He added that troops also intercepted a suspect believed to be facilitating illicit financial transactions in Kwara State, recovering ₦400,000, communication devices and recharge cards as investigations continue to uncover wider criminal networks.
On Operation ENDURING PEACE, he said troops successfully responded to armed robbery incidents in Plateau State, arresting suspects, recovering firearms, narcotics and stolen items, while also apprehending individuals linked to attacks on security personnel at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
Speaking on Operation WHIRL STROKE, the Defence spokesman disclosed that troops recorded significant breakthroughs across Benue, Kogi and Taraba States by neutralising a wanted terrorist kingpin identified as Puuga, arresting militia members and recovering weapons linked to notorious criminal syndicates.
He noted that troops also recovered 249 rustled cattle from a terrorist camp in Kogi State and rescued several kidnap victims, including a 72-year-old woman, Mrs. Lydia Odegba, as well as other abductees who escaped captivity due to sustained military pressure on criminal hideouts.
In the South-South, Major General Onoja said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE rescued 37 traders and crew members from sea pirates along the Oron-Ibaka waterways in Akwa Ibom State and arrested notorious kidnap kingpins during joint operations with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Edo State.
He added that anti-illegal bunkering operations in Rivers State led to the destruction of multiple illegal refining sites and the recovery of over 205,680 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, alongside the dismantling of refining equipment, reservoirs, ovens and extensive siphoning infrastructure.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted successful raids against criminal hideouts in Imo and Enugu States, recovering firearms, military camouflage uniforms and equipment used by criminals to impersonate security personnel, while also arresting suspects during joint operations with the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force.
He further disclosed that troops dismantled a major illegal oil bunkering site in Abia State, destroying 70 illegal refining pits and recovering petroleum products and specialised equipment used for crude oil theft.
The Defence spokesman also highlighted the critical role of the Air Component of the Armed Forces, stating that precision air operations enabled the escape of nine kidnapped victims in Niger State and successfully neutralised terrorists attempting to move over 100 rustled cattle through the Riyawa Forest following armed reconnaissance missions.
Major General Onoja said the successful operations across all theatres reflected the effectiveness of coordinated land and air campaigns in degrading terrorist capabilities and disrupting criminal networks nationwide.
He conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, GCOR, to troops for their gallantry, professionalism and tactical precision, while honouring officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
The Defence Headquarters also urged members of the public and the media to continue supporting ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information to enhance national security efforts.
