The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified military operations across the country, rescuing at least 36 abducted civilians, neutralising several terrorists and arresting suspected members of criminal and secessionist networks between August 31 and September 3, 2026.
The military disclosed this in its latest operational update signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
According to the statement, troops sustained offensive operations across the North East, North West, North Central and South East theatres, targeting terrorist groups, kidnappers and secessionist elements.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI operating in Borno and Yobe states neutralised terrorists during separate encounters and recovered rifles, ammunition and an improvised explosive device initiator.
The troops also intercepted an escapee who fled terrorist captivity due to hunger and hardship in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Another escapee was later intercepted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza.
The military said several terrorists surrendered during the period, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested.
In one significant development, 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa LGA of Borno State, reportedly fleeing clashes between rival terrorist factions in the Yaganari enclave.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded further successes against terrorist kingpins and logistics networks in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The troops reportedly neutralised two terrorist kingpins at Kogo Village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State on August 31.
On September 2, soldiers intercepted a vehicle at Kadage Village in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and recovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain. The fleeing suspect was neutralised during the encounter.
Troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara State, recovering a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a rifle and ammunition.
The military further reported the rescue of 31 abducted civilians in separate operations. Six victims were rescued in Kebbi State, while 23 others three men and 20 women were rescued on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka LGA of Zamfara State after spending about three weeks in captivity.
Two additional kidnap victims were rescued along the Dandume-Birnin Gwari Road in Katsina State.
In Sokoto State, troops conducting clearance operations across several forest locations discovered and destroyed a terrorist camp in Bilange Forest, recovering military uniforms, identification cards and a rifle.
In the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued operations against armed criminality and kidnapping in Benue, Kogi and Taraba states.
Troops engaged two suspected terrorists along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, killing one and recovering a pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms.
In Kogi State, troops responding to a kidnapping incident forced suspected kidnappers to abandon two abducted women unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
Five members of a gang were also arrested during a clearance operation at Peva in Takum LGA of Taraba State, while troops continued efforts to apprehend a wanted gang leader.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD rescued five male kidnap victims from their farms along the Kotonkoro-Bangi Road in Mariga LGA of Niger State.
In Kaduna State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected informant allegedly working with kidnappers at Sabon Gida village in Sanga LGA.
The South East also recorded military operations against suspected secessionist elements.
Troops of Operation UDO KA, working with local security personnel, arrested two suspects at Mbosi in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements operating from camps.
In Enugu State, troops raided the Iva-Valley Coal Mine and arrested a suspected member of a secessionist syndicate allegedly involved in attacks against security agencies.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained operations, particularly their efforts to neutralise terrorists, rescue abducted citizens, receive surrendered fighters and dismantle criminal and secessionist networks.
He also praised the collaboration between the military, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, local security groups and other stakeholders.
The Armed Forces urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing timely information to security forces to strengthen ongoing operations.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations until peace and security are restored across the country’s various theatres of operation.
