By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded major operational successes across all seven active theatres in April 2026, neutralising 201 terrorists, rescuing 188 abducted civilians and arresting 284 suspects in a series of coordinated operations nationwide.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military sustained relentless kinetic and non-kinetic operations across the country, dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting logistics networks and restoring security in troubled communities.
He said the operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders, delivered some of the most decisive battlefield outcomes recorded in recent months.
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, neutralising 136 terrorists, arresting 114 suspects and rescuing 18 kidnapped victims, while several insurgents and their families surrendered.
The statement highlighted key victories, including the repulsion of a major terrorist attack in Kukareta, Yobe State, where 21 insurgents were killed and arms recovered, as well as multiple successful ambushes and clearance operations across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
Similarly, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West recorded the neutralisation of 20 terrorists, rescue of 70 kidnapped victims and arrest of 32 suspects across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. Troops also rescued 31 worshippers abducted from a church in Kaduna State.
In the North Central region, operations under SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE led to the neutralisation of dozens of criminals, rescue of over 90 kidnapped victims and dismantling of several terrorist camps across Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states.
Notable among these was the rescue of 21 victims during coordinated assaults on terrorist camps in Plateau State, as well as the disruption of an illegal weapons manufacturing site in Langtang North.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE recorded the arrest of 17 suspects and the recovery of over 101,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, alongside the destruction of illegal refining sites and rescue of kidnapped victims in Delta and Edo states.
Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on proscribed IPOB/ESN elements, leading to the arrest of key commanders, destruction of camps and recovery of weapons, including a major raid on an enclave in Enugu State.
Beyond combat operations, the military also intensified Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities aimed at fostering peace and strengthening community relations. These included peace meetings, distribution of farm inputs and community engagement programmes in parts of Benue, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa states.
The statement noted that such initiatives are critical to achieving lasting peace, complementing ongoing military operations.
Commending the troops, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, charged commanders to sustain operational momentum with professionalism and compassion for civilians.
He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brig.Gen. O.O. Braimah and other personnel who died in combat operations during the period, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security.
The military leadership assured Nigerians of its resolve to eliminate all threats to peace and security, urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.
“The outcomes recorded are not just statistics; they represent lives saved, communities restored and hope renewed,” the statement added, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting the nation and upholding international humanitarian standards.
