By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded major operational successes across various theatres between April 30 and May 7, 2026, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of arms traffickers, and destruction of illegal weapons manufacturing networks.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the Armed Forces sustained aggressive operations nationwide in line with its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect lives and property.
According to him, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and Yobe states, recording several tactical victories.
He disclosed that troops neutralised terrorists during ambush operations in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and rescued six women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza LGA. Several suspected collaborators, logistics suppliers, and informants were also arrested in separate operations across the North East.
Major General Onoja further revealed that troops successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on troops deployed in Magumeri, Borno State, killing scores of insurgents and recovering weapons, including PKT anti-aircraft guns and AK-47 rifles. He, however, noted that two soldiers lost their lives during the fierce exchange.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out a series of offensives against terrorists and bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states, neutralising several gunmen and recovering arms, motorcycles, and ammunition.
He stated that troops, supported by air components including Super Tucano aircraft, repelled attacks on Forward Operating Base Bagega in Zamfara State and conducted follow-up strikes that inflicted further casualties on fleeing terrorists.
The Defence spokesman also highlighted major breakthroughs recorded under Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, troops uncovered and dismantled two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where five suspects were arrested while producing illegal firearms.
Recovered items included fabricated AK-47 rifles, pistol components, revolver engines, and various industrial equipment used for weapon production.
In separate operations across Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Abuja, troops arrested suspected kidnappers, rescued abducted victims, and intercepted arms couriers transporting large quantities of ammunition concealed in vehicles.
Major General Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued victims abducted in Kogi State and arrested suspected ammunition couriers supplying terrorists operating along the River Niger corridor.
He also confirmed the rescue of all remaining children abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja, Kogi State.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted several anti-kidnapping operations across Edo State, rescuing multiple victims and arresting suspected kidnappers during coordinated raids involving security agencies and local vigilante groups.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN gunrunner in Abia State who was allegedly found with illegal Biafran currency notes, which the military described as evidence of ongoing separatist financial activities in the region.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to restoring peace and stability across the country, stressing that troops remain resolute in dismantling terrorist networks, criminal supply chains, and kidnapping syndicates threatening national security.
Major General Onoja stated that despite operational gains, the military remains mindful of the sacrifices made by personnel and civilians affected by insecurity, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue operations until lasting peace is achieved nationwide.
