By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has delivered a sweeping and meticulously coordinated nationwide offensive across all operational theatres, recording one of its most comprehensive battlefield successes in recent months, with the neutralisation of 201 terrorists, rescue of 188 kidnapped civilians, and arrest of 284 suspects in April 2026 alone.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, declared that Nigerian troops sustained relentless, intelligence-led operations across every geopolitical zone, combining precision strikes, ambushes, air interdictions, and clearance missions to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy enclaves, and restore security in previously threatened communities.
He emphasised that the period marked a strategic shift in operational communication and warfare doctrine, with the Armed Forces now placing equal priority on the information domain alongside kinetic engagements, while also expanding Civil-Military Cooperation efforts to consolidate gains and rebuild public trust.
Across the North East theatre under Operation HADIN KAI, troops intensified sustained offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba States. Within the period, 136 terrorists were neutralised, 114 suspects arrested, 18 kidnapped victims rescued, while nine insurgents and their families surrendered. In a precision ambush at Gadangari axis in Bama Local Government Area on 1 April, eight terrorists were eliminated without casualty to troops. Subsequent clearance operations at Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro forests dismantled multiple camps and led to the capture of a deputy ring leader and his wife. On 22 April, troops rescued nine captives, including women and children who escaped from the Mandara Mountains, and successfully repelled a counterattack by terrorists attempting to recapture them.
A major confrontation occurred on 23 April at Kukareta in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, where troops, acting on credible intelligence, repelled a coordinated terrorist assault, neutralising 21 fighters and recovering an array of weapons including AK-47 rifles, a General Purpose Machine Gun, PKT machine gun, rocket-propelled grenade tube, mortar system, and large quantities of ammunition. Follow-up exploitation operations on 24 April uncovered additional enemy casualties and equipment along withdrawal routes. Further ambushes in Madagali and Gujba LGAs on 25 and 26 April resulted in additional terrorist casualties and recovery of arms and explosives, including grenades and ammunition. Troops also foiled infiltration attempts in Buratai and conducted rescue operations in Gwoza, where an abducted woman escaped captivity following sustained artillery bombardments.
Operations peaked on 29 April with coordinated ground and air offensives in the Timbuktu axis and Bulabulin Forest, neutralising 18 terrorists and destroying enclaves, while additional engagements along Wajiroko–Sabongari corridor inflicted further losses. At Forward Operating Base Mayanti in Dikwa LGA, troops ambushed terrorist logistics suppliers, neutralising five and recovering bicycles, mats, and food supplies. In Geidam LGA, clearance operations at Malam Shiri village led to the neutralisation of six terrorists and recovery of multiple weapons, ammunition belts, communication equipment, motorcycles, cash, and IED-making materials, although two soldiers were wounded and four MRAP tyres damaged.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained aggressive pressure across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, neutralising 20 terrorists, arresting 32 suspects, and rescuing 70 kidnapped victims. Troops rescued 31 worshippers abducted from an ECWA Church in Kachia LGA and 18 villagers, including infants, in Sokoto State. Artillery bombardments destroyed terrorist camps at Munhaye Town, while follow-up operations across Chikun, Zurmi, and Tsafe LGAs dismantled additional camps and neutralised fleeing fighters. On 27 April, troops intercepted a suspect transporting IED components intended for Abuja, underscoring proactive counter-terrorism measures. Further engagements in Gusau and Danjibga on 29 April neutralised additional terrorists, recovered arms and ammunition, and restored normalcy despite sporadic attacks.
In the North Central theatre, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded decisive engagements across Niger and Kwara States, neutralising 21 terrorists, arresting 17 suspects, and rescuing 10 victims. A major encounter in Borgu LGA on 14 April saw troops crush terrorists and repel a follow-on ambush without casualties, capturing motorcycles and suspects. Clearance operations across Kongore, Tungan Balki, and Daban Woko dismantled camps and yielded IED materials, while joint operations with vigilantes in Kwara State rescued abducted civilians from forest hideouts. Subsequent offensives in Kaiama and Patigi LGAs destroyed bandit camps, intercepted logistics suppliers, and recovered weapons and motorcycles. On 28 April, troops repelled a large-scale attack in Wamba community, neutralising 20 terrorists, while a rapid response along the Eruku–Egbe road rescued kidnap victims and disrupted criminal movement.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops across Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Benue States neutralised 18 terrorists, arrested 48 suspects, and rescued 53 victims. Landmark operations on 9 April in Wase LGA led to the neutralisation of 10 terrorists and liberation of 21 kidnapped persons from multiple camps, including Auta Kachalla’s enclave. Intelligence-led operations on 15 April resulted in the rescue of additional victims through interception of a live handover, while the destruction of a weapons manufacturing facility in Langtang North LGA disrupted a key supply chain for criminal elements. Subsequent operations across Bokkos, Shendam, and Qua’an Pan LGAs led to further rescues, arrests, and recovery of ransom funds, all returned to victims’ families.
Operation WHIRL STROKE maintained sustained pressure across Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, neutralising 14 terrorists, arresting 40 suspects, and rescuing 35 victims. Troops conducted ambushes, dismantled camps, and rescued abductees, including children. In a disturbing incident on 26 April, criminals attacked an orphanage in Lokoja, abducting 24 children and two staff; however, 17 children escaped and have been reunited, while troops continue intensive rescue operations for the remaining victims. Additional operations across Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Guma LGAs resulted in arrests and restoration of security.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 17 suspects, dismantled illegal refining operations, and recovered over 101,000 litres of petroleum products. Troops conducted rescue missions across Delta and Edo States, freeing kidnapped farmers and elderly victims, dismantling criminal cells, and recovering arms. A night ambush behind an industrial facility in Edo State led to the rescue of additional victims, reinforcing operational vigilance.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA targeted IPOB/ESN networks, neutralising three terrorists, arresting 16 suspects, and rescuing kidnapped victims. High-value arrests included key commanders and logistics operatives, while destruction of camps in Ajali Forest eliminated a major operational and spiritual hub, with recovery and safe disposal of improvised explosive devices. Intelligence from arrested suspects led to further recoveries of weapons and disruption of cross-state arms movement networks.
Beyond combat, the AFN expanded Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives, conducting peace engagements in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, distributing agricultural inputs in Plateau State, and organising community events to foster unity and support food security. These efforts, according to the military, are integral to sustaining long-term stability and rebuilding trust in conflict-affected areas.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and professionalism, urging sustained momentum. He paid solemn tribute to fallen heroes, including senior officers killed in action during engagements in Borno State, describing their sacrifice as embodying the highest ideals of military service.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed strict adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, while assuring Nigerians that no criminal network is beyond its reach. Citizens were urged to continue supporting security operations with credible intelligence, as the military pledged unwavering commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding every community across the nation.
