…as Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Rescue Captives And Recover Large Cache Of Weapons
By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded major operational successes across the country between May 28 and June 4, 2026, neutralising terrorists, arresting dozens of criminal suspects, rescuing kidnap victims, and recovering a significant cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, motorcycles and other equipment during coordinated military operations nationwide.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops operating under various Joint Task Forces sustained offensive operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, gunrunners, illegal miners and other criminal elements across the six geopolitical zones.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested several suspected terrorists, collaborators, informants and kidnappers across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Bauchi states. Troops also rescued and received multiple escapees from Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves, while recovering 43 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, magazines, mobile phones, solar panels and other items.
The operation further led to the neutralisation of a terrorist during a fighting patrol in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, while several terrorist informants and collaborators were apprehended in separate operations.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised three terrorists during engagements in Katsina and Zamfara states. Troops also foiled an attempted abduction of farmers, recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a loaded magazine, while a notorious terrorist kingpin was arrested during a raid on Shinkafi market in Zamfara State.
One of the most significant operational successes was recorded by troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger State. Troops repelled a terrorist ambush in Borgu Local Government Area, neutralised scores of terrorists and recovered 15 motorcycles alongside 253 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. Troops also discovered and safely detonated multiple improvised explosive devices planted along their withdrawal route.
The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant identified as Ali Hamidu, who had allegedly participated in previous attacks within the Kainji axis and had reportedly evaded arrest across several locations in Niger and Kebbi states.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued five kidnapped passengers after discovering an abandoned vehicle along a highway in Sanga Local Government Area. Two injured victims were evacuated to hospital, while efforts continue to locate two others still missing.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE operating across Kogi, Taraba and Nasarawa states recorded multiple successes, including the neutralisation of a terrorist in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier and a mobile phone.
The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Taraba State and the subsequent recovery of a G3 rifle, a magazine and ammunition based on intelligence obtained from the suspect.
In Nasarawa State, troops dismantled an illegal mining operation and arrested five suspects. Recovered items included seven explosives, detonating cords, a generator, a pumping machine and three motorcycles.
Troops also rescued kidnap victims in both Nasarawa and Kogi states. In Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, soldiers rescued Mrs Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child after pursuing kidnappers who had abducted five persons from a residence.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested suspected kidnappers in Edo State and foiled a planned abduction targeting a medical practitioner and the wife of a deceased senior military officer. Additional suspects linked to the murder of a farmer during a failed kidnap attempt were also apprehended.
Troops further recovered five locally manufactured dane guns, one fabricated pump-action gun and three motorcycles during a raid on an abandoned community police facility in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia and Anambra states.
The troops also rescued village chiefs held hostage at Ebeta Primary School in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and arrested three suspects connected with the incident. Two motorcycles allegedly stolen from residents were recovered during the operation.
Major General Onoja said the coordinated operations significantly degraded the operational capabilities of criminal elements across the country through the neutralisation of hostile fighters, arrest of suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of weapons and logistics assets.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain ongoing operations to secure the country and rescue all persons currently in captivity.
The Defence spokesman added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, resilience and professionalism, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens across the nation.
