By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have announced renewed operational successes across multiple theatres of operation, recording significant breakthroughs against terrorists, kidnappers, and organised criminal networks in different parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the achievements reflect the “professionalism, gallantry and unwavering commitment” of troops in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons in North-East operations
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded a series of decisive engagements between 24 and 28 May 2026, including the neutralisation of terrorists during a fighting patrol at Akate in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, where two terrorists were killed and an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and other items were recovered.
In Borno State, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator, identified as Alhaji Gambo, at Monguno while attempting to enter the town. He is currently in custody for investigation.
In another development, sustained military pressure forced a member of a terrorist family to escape from the Kimbe enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrender to troops in Gwoza, citing harsh conditions within the camp.
Four additional escapees, previously abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community, were handed over to Nigerian troops in Kirawa following rescue by the Cameroon Defence Force. The victims have since been profiled and provided first aid.
Troops also repelled a massing of terrorists along the Bam Buratai axis in Biu, neutralising five insurgents and recovering ammunition after a coordinated response involving indirect fire and a Quick Reaction Force.
In Yobe State, troops in collaboration with local hunters ambushed terrorists at Kasaicia along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi Road, killing four insurgents and recovering an AK-47 rifle.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States, recording multiple arrests, neutralisations, and rescues.
In Kebbi State, a suspected terrorist collaborator was arrested in Shanga Local Government Area while attempting to board a vehicle. Intelligence gathered from his mobile device reportedly exposed links to suspected members of a terrorist network, with investigations ongoing.
In Zamfara State, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes engaged terrorists in Zurmi LGA, killing two criminals and destroying several hideouts while recovering fabricated rifles and motorcycles.
In Katsina State, troops neutralised a suspected terrorist foot soldier identified as Mallam Mau’re during a patrol along Sayaya Road in Matazu LGA. The suspect was reportedly linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin. Weapons and a motorcycle were recovered.
A major humanitarian success was also recorded when troops of Forward Operating Base Bagega rescued 31 kidnapped victims along the Bagega–Kawaye Road in Anka LGA following air interdiction by Nigerian Air Force assets.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD achieved a significant humanitarian breakthrough with the release of 148 kidnapped victims, comprising men, women, and children, from terrorist captivity in Zamfara State.
The victims, abducted months earlier from Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, were reportedly released by terrorists operating in the Kuyambana Forest and have since been handed over to local authorities for reunification with families.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded notable successes in Kaduna State, including the swift response to an attack in Zangon Kataf where two injured victims were rescued and evacuated for medical treatment.
In a separate operation, troops stormed a hideout in Kauru Local Government Area and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya. Follow-up intelligence exploitation is ongoing to dismantle his criminal network.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued coordinated efforts with other security agencies against organised crime in Benue State.
In Makurdi, a follow up operation led to the interception of a vehicle linked to illicit drug distribution, resulting in the recovery of suspected methamphetamine, other narcotics, cash, and related items.
Two additional suspects linked to a separate drug trafficking network were also arrested during a subsequent raid, with multiple phones, motorcycles, and POS machines recovered.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, in collaboration with police and local hunters, conducted clearance operations across forested areas in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of dane guns and other materials handed over for investigation.
In another ambush along the Ohe–Uzea Road in Esan North-East, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised while others fled with injuries.
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against illicit armed groups and criminal networks in the South-East.
In Ebonyi State, a raid operation led to the arrest of two suspects, including a known IPOB/ESN-linked figure identified as “Dragon,” with military insignia and paraphernalia recovered.
In Abia State, two suspects arrested during attempted theft and alleged abduction activities were handed over to troops for investigation after initially claiming involvement in illegal AFN Records Major Operational Gains Against Terrorists, Criminal Networks Nationwide
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have announced renewed operational successes across multiple theatres of operation, recording significant breakthroughs against terrorists, kidnappers, and organised criminal networks in different parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the achievements reflect the “professionalism, gallantry and unwavering commitment” of troops in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons in North-East operations
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded a series of decisive engagements between 24 and 28 May 2026, including the neutralisation of terrorists during a fighting patrol at Akate in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, where two terrorists were killed and an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and other items were recovered.
In Borno State, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator, identified as Alhaji Gambo, at Monguno while attempting to enter the town. He is currently in custody for investigation.
In another development, sustained military pressure forced a member of a terrorist family to escape from the Kimbe enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrender to troops in Gwoza, citing harsh conditions within the camp.
Four additional escapees, previously abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community, were handed over to Nigerian troops in Kirawa following rescue by the Cameroon Defence Force. The victims have since been profiled and provided first aid.
Troops also repelled a massing of terrorists along the Bam–Buratai axis in Biu, neutralising five insurgents and recovering ammunition after a coordinated response involving indirect fire and a Quick Reaction Force.
In Yobe State, troops in collaboration with local hunters ambushed terrorists at Kasaicia along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi Road, killing four insurgents and recovering an AK-47 rifle.
Major breakthroughs in North-West anti-banditry operations
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified operations across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States, recording multiple arrests, neutralisations, and rescues.
In Kebbi State, a suspected terrorist collaborator was arrested in Shanga Local Government Area while attempting to board a vehicle. Intelligence gathered from his mobile device reportedly exposed links to suspected members of a terrorist network, with investigations ongoing.
In Zamfara State, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes engaged terrorists in Zurmi LGA, killing two criminals and destroying several hideouts while recovering fabricated rifles and motorcycles.
In Katsina State, troops neutralised a suspected terrorist foot soldier identified as Mallam Mau’re during a patrol along Sayaya Road in Matazu LGA. The suspect was reportedly linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin. Weapons and a motorcycle were recovered.
A major humanitarian success was also recorded when troops of Forward Operating Base Bagega rescued 31 kidnapped victims along the Bagega–Kawaye Road in Anka LGA following air interdiction by Nigerian Air Force assets.
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD achieved a significant humanitarian breakthrough with the release of 148 kidnapped victims, comprising men, women, and children, from terrorist captivity in Zamfara State.
The victims, abducted months earlier from Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, were reportedly released by terrorists operating in the Kuyambana Forest and have since been handed over to local authorities for reunification with families.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recorded notable successes in Kaduna State, including the swift response to an attack in Zangon Kataf where two injured victims were rescued and evacuated for medical treatment.
In a separate operation, troops stormed a hideout in Kauru Local Government Area and neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya. Follow-up intelligence exploitation is ongoing to dismantle his criminal network.
Drug syndicates dismantled in North-Central operations
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued coordinated efforts with other security agencies against organised crime in Benue State.
In Makurdi, a follow-up operation led to the interception of a vehicle linked to illicit drug distribution, resulting in the recovery of suspected methamphetamine, other narcotics, cash, and related items.
Two additional suspects linked to a separate drug trafficking network were also arrested during a subsequent raid, with multiple phones, motorcycles, and POS machines recovered.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, in collaboration with police and local hunters, conducted clearance operations across forested areas in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of dane guns and other materials handed over for investigation.
In another ambush along the Ohe–Uzea Road in Esan North-East, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised while others fled with injuries. Recovered items included locally made firearms, cartridges, hard drugs, and identity documents.
Arrests of IPOB/ESN-linked suspects in South-East
Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against illicit armed groups and criminal networks in the South-East.
In Ebonyi State, a raid operation led to the arrest of two suspects, including a known IPOB/ESN-linked figure identified as “Dragon,” with military insignia and paraphernalia recovered.
In Abia State, two suspects arrested during attempted theft and alleged abduction activities were handed over to troops for investigation after initially claiming involvement in illegal bunkering.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining nationwide operations until terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime are decisively defeated.
He commended the courage and sacrifices of troops across all theatres and assured that the military will continue to provide the necessary support, logistics, and intelligence required for operational success.
The Defence Headquarters also urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring that all information received is treated with strict confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining nationwide operations until terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime are decisively defeated.
He commended the courage and sacrifices of troops across all theatres and assured that the military will continue to provide the necessary support, logistics, and intelligence required for operational success.
The Defence Headquarters also urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring that all information received is treated with strict confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
