By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant operational successes across the country, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms and illicit materials in coordinated operations conducted between April 3 and 9, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops operating across various theatres sustained offensive actions that disrupted terrorist activities and curtailed their movement nationwide.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS elements across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba and Gombe states. The statement noted that on April 4, troops successfully repelled advancing terrorists near Dikwa in Borno State using mortar and artillery fire, forcing them to retreat.
Similarly, on April 6, troops engaged terrorist logistics elements in Gwoza Local Government Area, neutralising one insurgent and recovering ammunition and other items. A suspected collaborator, identified as Fidelis Thomas, was also apprehended in Taraba State and handed over to security forces.
However, the military disclosed that troops came under attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, on April 9. Although the attack was repelled, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General O. O. Braimah, and three other personnel were killed in action.
In the North-West, troops conducted operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states. A suspected terrorist was arrested in Zamfara with an AK-47 rifle, while several attacks were foiled in Katsina. Troops also rescued 31 hostages from a church attack in Kaduna State.
Further operations led to the neutralisation of fleeing terrorists and the arrest of a suspected collaborator linked to a notorious kingpin. In Sokoto State, troops successfully rescued 18 kidnapped victims, including two infants, after ambushing the abductors.
Across the North-Central region, troops sustained operations in Plateau, Benue, Kogi and other states, neutralising several terrorists and arresting suspects. In Plateau State, multiple engagements resulted in the killing of terrorists and recovery of arms.
Notably, on April 9, troops neutralised 10 terrorists and rescued 21 kidnapped victims during operations in Wase Local Government Area. Several terrorist camps were destroyed, and weapons and equipment recovered.
Operations under Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara and Niger states also recorded success, as troops repelled an attack on a patrol base and recovered weapons and other items.
In the South-East, troops targeted criminal elements linked to IPOB and its armed wing, ESN. Improvised explosive devices were recovered and safely detonated in Abia State, while a suspect was arrested in Anambra with live cartridges. A raid on a terrorist camp in Imo State led to the neutralisation of one insurgent, arrest of another, and destruction of the camp.
Meanwhile, in the South-South region, troops intensified anti-criminal operations, uncovering illegal oil bunkering sites and recovering stolen petroleum products in Rivers State. In Delta State, suspects were arrested with arms,
