By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded major operational successes across multiple theatres of operation nationwide, neutralizing terrorists, dismantling criminal networks, rescuing kidnapped victims, and disrupting illegal economic activities in a coordinated nationwide security campaign.
The operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, targeted insurgents, kidnappers, arms traffickers, oil thieves, and violent criminal syndicates across the North East, North West, North Central, South-South and South-East regions.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military disclosed that troops sustained operational momentum through synchronized land, air and maritime offensives aimed at restoring security and state authority.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified clearance operations to degrade insurgent capabilities. Troops deployed in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on May 15 neutralized two terrorists during fierce engagements around Kirawa, Valle, Ashigashiya and Gakara communities.
Security operations also disrupted insurgent logistics networks. Troops working with local hunters raided Kwayar Kusar Market, arresting four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators found with six cows allegedly intended for illicit sale on behalf of insurgents.
The military further recorded several voluntary surrenders attributed to sustained battlefield pressure. A terrorist family member reportedly escaped from the Kwatara enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops in Gwoza. Additional surrenders followed in Dikwa and Nganzai Local Government Areas, where suspects turned in weapons, ammunition and communication devices.
Troops also apprehended suspected logistics suppliers, including a female collaborator accused of conveying food supplies and hijabs to a notorious terrorist commander operating in Mobbar Local Government Area.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA disrupted terrorist and criminal networks across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.
In Kaduna State, troops responded to attacks in Birnin Gwari, neutralizing three terrorists and recovering weapons after local vigilantes initially engaged the attackers. Follow-up exploitation operations yielded additional ammunition and military equipment abandoned by fleeing terrorists.
A major breakthrough occurred in Katsina State where troops arrested an alleged arms trafficker at General Hospital Batsari. Military authorities described the suspect as a principal supplier of military-grade weapons to notorious terrorist kingpins, including Bello Turji and the late Kachalla Black.
Troops in Zamfara State repelled attacks on rural communities, recovered weapons and ammunition, and destroyed terrorist camps following deliberate fighting patrols.
In North Central Nigeria, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD focused on dismantling underground logistics and communication networks supporting terrorism.
Troops in Kwara State arrested suspects linked to earlier attacks on security personnel and intercepted communications, revealing operational involvement in violent attacks. Further intelligence-led operations uncovered networks facilitating weapons transfers and exposed direct ties to notorious terrorist figures.
Similarly, Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded successes in Plateau and Bauchi states.
Troops responding to gunfire in Plateau arrested five fleeing suspects and intercepted suspected ransom proceeds amounting to over N2.2 million abandoned by armed criminals.
In Bauchi State, clearance operations neutralized a terrorist while two abducted victims who escaped captivity reunited with troops and were later handed over to their families.
Operation WHIRL STROKE also recorded significant gains across Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nasarawa states.
Troops in Benue intercepted armed militia members allegedly attempting to disrupt political activities during APC primary elections, recovering weapons and arresting suspects.
In Taraba, troops raided criminal hideouts, arresting an alleged gunrunner linked to the illicit sale of 23 AK-47 rifles and neutralizing armed suspects during follow-up operations.
Security operations in Kogi State led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims from forest hideouts, while authorities in Nasarawa arrested a compromised vigilante member allegedly collaborating with kidnappers and spending ransom proceeds.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE sustained anti-kidnapping and anti-economic sabotage campaigns.
Troops, under Operation KO SALO in Edo State, cleared forests notorious for criminal activities and arrested several suspected kidnappers, recovering firearms and motorcycles.
In Delta State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site in Sapele and seized about 3,000 litres of illegally siphoned crude oil.
Cross River operations targeted armed criminals and violent community-related crimes, leading to weapons recoveries and the arrest of suspects. Troops also intervened to prevent mob justice after rescuing an injured suspect accused of shooting family members.
In Rivers State, anti-bunkering operations around Eleme uncovered multiple vehicles loaded with stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with drivers taken into custody for investigation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East targeted violent hoodlums and economic offenders.
In Ebonyi State, troops recovered weapons abandoned by fleeing suspects and arrested illegal miners operating without authorization. Military authorities said troops exercised restraint after an aggressive mob attacked their convoy in an attempt to free arrested suspects, dispersing the crowd without casualties.
The Defence Headquarters said the cumulative results of these operations demonstrate substantial progress in weakening terrorist structures, crippling illegal oil bunkering rings and restoring government authority across troubled
Around.
According to the statement, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their bravery, professionalism and resilience in the conduct of operations.
The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional responsibilities, stressing that all operations continue under strict compliance with international humanitarian law and established rules of engagement.
Citizens were also urged to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies.
