By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have dealt heavy blows to terrorist groups across the country, killing more than 50 fighters, recovering dozens of weapons and ammunition, and rescuing scores of kidnapped victims during sustained military operations between October 30 and November 5, 2026.
The operations, conducted across the North East, North West, North Central and South East, also resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners and logistics suppliers, as troops intensified offensives to dismantle criminal networks and restore security.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded significant successes in Borno and Yobe States after repelling attempted attacks on military positions at Buni Yadi and Bitta.
At Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops countered an attempted terrorist attack launched from the Timbuktu Triangle axis on the night of October 29.
Subsequent exploitation operations on October 30 led to the recovery of 48 terrorist bodies, 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four general-purpose machine guns, one 60mm mortar, 105 magazines and two video cameras.
Similarly, following an attempted infiltration of a military location at Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on October 31, troops recovered seven terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, an RPG tube, four RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, a PKM machine gun and a radio.
The military also recorded the surrender of 12 terrorist fighters and family members between November 2 and 4 at different locations in Borno State. Most of the surrendering individuals reportedly attributed their decisions to sustained military pressure and disagreements between rival JAS and ISWAP factions.
Additionally, troops rescued a female abductee who escaped from the Mandara Mountains and arrested 50 suspected terrorists, collaborators and logistics suppliers across the theatre.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensives in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States, rescuing several kidnapped victims and disrupting terrorist movements.
The operations led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims along the Ribah-Dirindaji axis in Kebbi State after troops pursued fleeing terrorists, while four others were rescued following an encounter along the Wasagu-Falfala Road.
Another seven victims were rescued during operations around Geso and Ayan Geso in Zamfara State, while troops, working with personnel of the Department of State Services, arrested a suspected terrorist who sneaked into a clinic in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State to receive treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during a clash with a rival faction.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded major breakthroughs against kidnappers and armed criminal groups in Benue, Kogi and Taraba States.
Operations in Edimogbo and Obele forests resulted in the neutralisation of five suspected kidnappers and the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, 19 magazines, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, 1,000 additional rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, motorcycles and other items.
The troops also rescued six civilians, including a baby, following a kidnapping incident at Jeb Jeb Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
In related operations, troops arrested a wanted member of the Konyo Boys bandit group in Taraba State, while a terrorist, his wife and two children surrendered in Kogi State with an AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition and a radio.
A suspected logistics supplier, who reportedly confessed to conveying supplies to terrorists loyal to the neutralised Kachallah Baccujo in Agbaja Forest, was also arrested in Kogi State. Another suspected gunrunner was apprehended in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
Similarly, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD sustained offensive operations in Kwara and Niger States, rescuing 15 kidnap victims during an encounter with bandits around Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State on November 5.
The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven rifle magazines, three RPG bombs, 33 motorcycles, ammunition and N4.105 million.
In Kwara State, troops working alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria neutralised two suspected Ansaru terrorists during an ambush at Nanu Village in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The troops also arrested an injured suspected kidnapper at Dusai Village in Niger State and rescued three victims who escaped from their captors in Lema-Ndeji Forest in Kwara State.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against kidnappers and criminal elements in Abia and Anambra States.
At Isuochi in Abia State, troops rescued one of the victims following an attack by gunmen on a compound at Okwe Ubahu Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area.
A separate search operation at Otuocha in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle, a damaged hunting rifle and 13 cartridges from a shop suspected to be used for concealing weapons.
The statement said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in the various operational theatres.
Oluyede also paid tribute to an officer and a soldier who died in the line of duty, alongside a civilian hunter who lost his life while supporting military operations, assuring their families that their sacrifices would remain indelible in the nation’s memory.
He appreciated the contributions of other security agencies and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration, effective intelligence sharing and coordinated operational planning to consolidate the gains recorded.
The CDS further urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities through the nearest military formation or the toll-free emergency line 193.
He also called on citizens to deny criminals access to logistics and other forms of support, while warning against mob action, misinformation and the spread of disinformation.
The Armed Forces, he assured, would sustain the current operational momentum until lasting peace, security and stability are restored across the country.
