The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded major operational gains across the country in May 2026, neutralising 317 terrorists and criminal elements, arresting 314 suspects, rescuing 221 kidnapped civilians and recovering 93 arms in sustained offensives conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed this during a press briefing on ongoing military operations nationwide, noting that troops carried out coordinated land, air and maritime operations across all theatres, resulting in the destruction of terrorist enclaves, dismantling of illegal arms networks and disruption of oil theft syndicates.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the operations reflected its constitutional responsibility to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguard lives and property.
According to the DHQ, troops of Operation HADIN KAI operating in the North-East sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states, neutralising 73 insurgents, arresting 159 suspects and rescuing 112 civilians, while 18 terrorists surrendered.
Among notable operations, troops repelled coordinated ISWAP attacks in Bama and Magumeri Local Government Areas of Borno State, killing several terrorists and recovering weapons including AK-47 rifles and anti-aircraft guns. However, the military said some soldiers paid the supreme price during the engagements.
Troops also intensified rescue efforts, liberating abducted women and children from Ngoshe community and foiling terrorist logistics movements along the Banki-Kumshe corridor.
The military highlighted the rescue of 92 kidnapped commuters along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Borno State after troops swiftly pursued kidnappers attempting to move victims into the Mangari-Dora area.
According to the statement, the rescue mission also involved the safe detonation of three improvised explosive devices planted to ambush reinforcement troops.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained aggressive operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, neutralising 24 terrorists, arresting 13 suspects and rescuing 22 civilians.
The DHQ said one of the most significant breakthroughs involved the arrest of a major gunrunner in Katsina State allegedly linked to supplying military-grade weapons to notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji.
Military air and ground operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states were also said to have inflicted heavy casualties on terrorists and thwarted attacks on security infrastructure.
Similarly, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD operating in Kwara and Niger states neutralised terrorists, arrested 12 suspects and rescued 24 civilians through coordinated clearance and rescue missions.
The Defence Headquarters said troops dismantled criminal support networks, arrested suspected recruiters and disrupted arms movement routes supplying armed groups.
Operation ENDURING PEACE troops operating in Plateau, Nasarawa, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory were credited with dismantling kidnapping and illegal arms manufacturing networks.
The military said troops neutralised nine terrorists, arrested 36 suspects and rescued 15 civilians during the period.
A major breakthrough was recorded in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State where troops raided an illegal arms manufacturing facility and recovered fabricated AK-47 rifles, pistols and industrial equipment used in weapons production.
The operation, according to the DHQ, exposed organised efforts to manufacture illegal firearms within civilian communities.
In the North-Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted rescue and interdiction missions across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, neutralising six terrorists, arresting 20 suspects and rescuing 13 civilians.
The military said troops intercepted arms couriers, rescued kidnap victims and arrested suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators aiding criminal groups.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against oil theft and kidnapping syndicates across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.
The operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects, destruction of three illegal refining sites and recovery of 21,910 litres of assorted petroleum products.
The military said troops uncovered illegal crude oil storage sites, intercepted modified vehicles conveying stolen fuel and arrested suspected collaborators, including security personnel linked to illegal bunkering activities.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA maintained pressure on proscribed IPOB/ESN elements and criminal groups across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of three terrorists, arrest of 60 suspects and rescue of 18 civilians.
The DHQ said troops arrested suspected gunrunners, illegal miners and kidnappers while recovering weapons, cash and communication devices during several operations.
Beyond combat activities, the military also highlighted non-kinetic interventions aimed at strengthening civil-military relations.
The Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with humanitarian and security partners, conducted medical outreach programmes in Maiduguri, providing free consultations, medications and relief materials to vulnerable residents and internally displaced persons.
Likewise, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA donated 400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State to support agricultural production ahead of the 2026 farming season.
The Defence Headquarters acknowledged a recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, assuring affected communities that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, had directed immediate reinforcement and enhanced surveillance operations in the area.
It said specialised ground forces and aerial surveillance assets had already been deployed, with intelligence gathering ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.
The military described the May operational outcomes as evidence of growing combat effectiveness and strategic resolve in confronting insecurity across the country.
While commending troops for their gallantry and professionalism, the Chief of Defence Staff urged commanders to sustain operational momentum and prioritise troop welfare.
He also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that community collaboration remained critical to achieving lasting peace and security nationwide.
