The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified military operations across the country, neutralising at least 22 terrorists, rescuing dozens of abducted persons and disrupting criminal networks during operations conducted between August 20 and 27, 2026.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operations were conducted across the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East geopolitical zones as troops sustained the campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major successes in Borno and Adamawa States, including the neutralisation of 21 terrorists during a clearance operation at Kopre Mountain in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The troops also destroyed the terrorist camp and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 23 magazines and 586 rounds of ammunition.
The statement said troops had earlier intercepted eight abductees, comprising three women and five children, around Ngoshe in Gwoza LGA of Borno State on August 22, while three minors who escaped from terrorist enclaves near Amuda Bridge in the same area were also rescued.
Between August 23 and 27, troops arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, spies and fighters in Biu, Guzamala and Damboa LGAs of Borno State, as well as Michika LGA of Adamawa State.
On August 27, troops also repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration along the Gulumba Gana axis in Dikwa LGA of Borno State, neutralising one terrorist, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The military further recorded multiple surrenders by suspected terrorists and their family members at Kumburi, Bula Daloye and New Abaram Resettlement Village in Bama LGA of Borno State.
The surrendering terrorists reportedly attributed their decision to sustained military pressure and internal clashes among rival terrorist factions.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations against terrorism and kidnapping across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States, rescuing several abducted persons.
The troops rescued six victims along the Dandume-Sheme Road in Dandume LGA of Katsina State on August 22 and recovered ₦800,000 allegedly collected from the victims by their captors.
Six other victims were rescued at Gadan Manya village in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, while three abducted children were rescued in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State and reunited with their families.
On August 25, troops rescued 14 abducted victims at Magazu village in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, while two female captives were rescued at Hayin Babangida in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State the following day.
However, a male farmer abducted in the same incident was found dead from gunshot wounds before he could be rescued.
Troops also disrupted arms trafficking networks in the zone, arresting three suspected gunrunners along the Kaura Namoda-Shinkafi Road and recovering an assault rifle concealed in a bag of millet.
A notorious terrorist kingpin, Mallam Sanusi Mai Glass, and his associate were also arrested in Dutsinma LGA of Katsina State, with a vehicle recovered.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued operations against kidnapping, terrorism and arms trafficking in Benue, Kogi and Taraba States.
The troops arrested an accomplice of a previously apprehended gunrunner at Dorowa in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. The suspect reportedly confessed to supplying four AK-47 rifles and about 6,000 rounds of ammunition.
Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist and his courier around Okene LGA of Kogi State and rescued two kidnap victims in separate operations in Lokoja LGA.
On August 27, troops engaged suspected terrorists at Ahungwa in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, neutralising one terrorist while another escaped into a nearby forest.
A suspected gunrunner was also arrested in Jalingo LGA of Taraba State in connection with alleged arms trafficking to rebel elements in Cameroon.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD repelled a terrorist attack in Dekara, Borgu LGA of Niger State, forcing the attackers to withdraw into the Kainji Lake National Park.
Troops exploited the withdrawal route and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, six motorcycles, 49 mobile phones, nine phone batteries and 10 memory cards, which the military said could provide valuable intelligence on the terrorist network operating in the area.
In Plateau State, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested a suspect following reports of gunshots around DTV in Bassa LGA and recovered a locally made hunting gun. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The military also sustained operations against economic sabotage in the South South, particularly illegal crude oil bunkering and refining.
Under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the Nigerian Navy disrupted suspected crude oil storage infrastructure containing approximately 93,000 litres of stolen crude oil around Allison Community in Bonny LGA of Rivers State.
Troops also intercepted vehicles conveying about 8,500 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Imo State and arrested three suspects.
Similarly, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER disrupted three illegal refining sites around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni LGA of Rivers State and recovered approximately 103,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
On August 27, troops intercepted two tanker trucks allegedly preparing to siphon crude oil from an illegal collection point at Aleto in Eleme LGA of Rivers State and arrested two suspects.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops continued operations against secessionist elements and illegal oil bunkering in Anambra and Imo States.
Troops, in conjunction with the Department of State Services and a local security group, raided suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene and Abator villages in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of pump-action guns, motorcycles and materials identified as components for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede commended the troops for their gallantry, discipline and sustained commitment to ongoing operations across the country.
The CDS also commended the collaboration between the Armed Forces and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.
General Oluyede further appreciated the recent gesture by Air Peace, whose staff and passengers reportedly accorded military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight in Abuja, following a directive by the airline’s Chairman, Mr Allen Onyema, that military and police personnel be accorded priority boarding and applauded for their sacrifices.
He said the gesture reflected growing public appreciation for the sacrifices of defence and security personnel and called on other stakeholders to recognise the contributions of serving personnel and veterans.
The CDS urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing credible information to security agencies to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the current tempo of operations and remain committed to protecting lives and property, while defending the territorial integrity of the country.
