By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across various theatres of operation nationwide, rescuing hundreds of abducted civilians, neutralising terrorists, arresting criminal collaborators, and dismantling illegal oil bunkering networks between June 4 and June 11, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the achievements in a statement on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, describing the operations as evidence of the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.
According to the statement, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-East, resulting in the rescue of hundreds of abductees and the disruption of terrorist logistics networks.
One of the most remarkable achievements occurred on June 6 when troops conducted a coordinated multi axis assault on terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation led to the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who had been held captive since their abduction during an attack on Ngoshe community in March.
Although two infants reportedly died due to the harsh terrain and conditions during the rescue process, the remaining 358 victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza for medical attention before being handed over to relevant authorities.
The military also rescued several other abductees who escaped from terrorist camps in the Amuda axis of Gwoza following sustained bombardments of insurgent hideouts. Among those rescued was an eight year old boy, Ali Musa, who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Saha.
In another development, a 20 year old terrorist identified as Fannami Ali surrendered to troops in Monguno, Borno State.
Troops further arrested several suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, recovering communication devices, illicit drugs, agrochemicals, cash and other items believed to support insurgent activities.
Military operations in the North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA also yielded notable results. Troops intercepted a suspected arms trafficker in Zamfara State and recovered over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of millet. Investigations led to the arrest of the intended recipient of the weapons.
Several terrorists were neutralised during fighting patrols in Zamfara, while eight suspects were arrested and motorcycles, communication gadgets and military-style equipment recovered.
In Niger State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD dismantled suspected terrorist surveillance networks, arresting multiple suspects and recovering mobile phones, propaganda materials, motorcycles and cash.
In Plateau, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops successfully disrupted kidnapping networks through a series of search and rescue missions. Six kidnapped passengers were rescued along the Hawan Kibo Rafin Sayin road in Riyom Local Government Area, while two other victims escaped and were recovered by troops in Barkin Ladi.
Security forces also arrested suspected kidnappers and informants in Plateau State, recovering firearms, communication devices and cash linked to criminal activities.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes across Benue, Kogi and Taraba states. The troops recovered weapons from fleeing cattle rustling suspects, rescued kidnap victims in Kogi State and arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The rescued victims included a bar manager and a salesgirl abducted in Kogi State, who were reunited with their families after troops forced their captors to abandon them.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained pressure on economic saboteurs involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining.
Military operations in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Edo states led to the discovery and destruction of illegal oil refining infrastructure, recovery of thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, and the arrest of suspected kidnappers.
Particularly, troops recovered approximately 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Delta State and intercepted about 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Akwa Ibom State.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation UDO KA recorded major breakthroughs against IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the South-East.
Joint operations involving the military and the Department of State Services (DSS) resulted in the arrest of several suspected IPOB/ESN members in Enugu and Abia states. Security operatives also uncovered an arms cache hidden inside a facility disguised as a piggery, recovering a General Purpose Machine Gun, RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Additional raids led to the recovery of more assault rifles, magazines, ammunition and IPOB uniforms, significantly degrading the operational capability of the proscribed group, according to the military.
In Imo State, troops raided a suspected crude oil storage facility and destroyed large quantities of stolen petroleum products, while in Ebonyi State, security forces recovered cash and weapons linked to an armed robbery syndicate.
The Defence Headquarters said the successes recorded across all theatres of operation reflect the professionalism, resilience and sacrifice of troops operating under difficult conditions to restore peace and security nationwide.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, discipline and dedication, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces would remain relentless in protecting citizens and defending the nation's territorial integrity.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, assuring that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
