The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation between 10 and 16 July 2026, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnap victims, arresting criminal collaborators, and disrupting illegal arms trafficking and crude oil theft as troops sustained coordinated offensives nationwide.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops operating in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups intensified operations across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East, resulting in the arrest of suspected terrorists and logistics suppliers, the rescue of abducted civilians, and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other criminal logistics.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists in Gwoza and Pulka areas of Borno State. Troops also arrested several suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators, including Mohammed Goni, Janyu Alhaji Mamman, Ali Umar and two other suspects intercepted in Damboa, while a suspected foreign spy, Abubakar Mohammed Zen, was arrested in Abadam Local Government Area.
The statement added that troops foiled terrorists’ infiltration attempts in Jere Local Government Area, neutralised a terrorist, and rescued several kidnap victims, including Usman Hassan, Aisha Mohammed, two civilians around Armuda Bridge and nine women and children who were later treated by military medical teams before being reunited with their communities.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested terrorist collaborators in Zamfara State, neutralised three terrorists during separate engagements in Kebbi and Zamfara states, rescued 13 abducted civilians and recovered two vehicles during operations against criminal elements.
Operations under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in the North Central also resulted in the rescue of two kidnap victims in Niger State after troops responded to a kidnapping incident in Tafa Local Government Area. In Kwara State, Forest Guard operatives, acting on credible intelligence, rescued two children, neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun.
Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, recovering three locally fabricated rifles and four submachine guns allegedly destined for criminal elements in Niger State. Troops also arrested a wanted suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State and rescued four kidnapped victims following a swift response to a highway kidnapping incident in Riyom Local Government Area.
Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops arrested an ammunition courier along the Keffi-Abuja Road with 60 rounds of ammunition and apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State. Security forces also rescued a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State after sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE discovered illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and dismantled equipment used for illicit refining activities. Following the kidnapping incident involving Ambrose Alli University, troops conducted a rescue operation in Edo State, neutralising two suspected kidnappers, recovering three rifles and ammunition, and rescuing three abductees.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected cultists, kidnappers and members of a proscribed secessionist group in Rivers and Abia states. Troops also recovered an assault rifle, a pump-action gun, ammunition and cartridges, while rescuing two kidnapped victims along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway after intercepting a truck abandoned by fleeing kidnappers.
According to the statement, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops across all theatres for their professionalism, courage and commitment to ongoing military operations.
The CDS also praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the intelligence-driven operation that secured the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026 after spending 56 days in captivity.
He noted that the rescue was achieved without any concession to the abductors and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the incident.
General Oluyede further appreciated the media for its responsible coverage of military operations and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring citizens that the Armed Forces would sustain ongoing operations until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.
