By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded major operational successes between June 12 and 18, 2026, with troops rescuing kidnapped citizens, dismantling terrorist supply networks, recovering arms and ammunition, and disrupting illegal oil-related activities across several parts of the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who disclosed this in a statement, said the military sustained offensive operations against terrorists, criminal gangs, kidnappers and economic saboteurs across multiple theatres.
According to him, the coordinated operations led to the degradation of enemy capabilities, recovery of weapons, destruction of criminal camps and the liberation of several civilians held captive.
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements in Borno State.
On June 12, troops operating along the Damasak-Gubio Main Supply Route in Kareto, Gubio Local Government Area, rescued civilians who had been held hostage by terrorists. The criminals abandoned their captives and fled after sighting the advancing troops.
Two days later, a 16 year old family member of a suspected terrorist, Isa Umaru, escaped from the Chikide enclave in the Mandara Mountains due to starvation and pressure from military operations before surrendering to troops in Pulka.
Troops also foiled a kidnapping attempt on farmers in Bama Local Government Area on June 16, rescuing the victims after an exchange of fire forced the terrorists to retreat.
In another encounter at Kirawa on June 17, troops repelled a large terrorist group mounted on about 60 motorcycles along the Pulka-Maraba-Kirawa Road. The terrorists abandoned 817 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and three motorcycles while fleeing.
The military also arrested suspected collaborators allegedly assisting terrorist groups. Among those arrested was Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Buba, who was apprehended at the GSS IDP Camp in Gwoza. He reportedly confessed to plans to lure repentant terrorists back into the Mandara Mountains.
Further operations led to the arrest of Modu Auta, a suspected collaborator operating from within the Sambisa Forest, who provided information that helped troops track other members of the network.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded successes across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
In Zamfara State, troops conducting fighting patrols in Birnin Saba, Sabon Garin Daudawa and Yanbuki villages neutralised a terrorist, recovered an AK-47 rifle, four magazines and destroyed an abandoned insurgent camp.
In Katsina State, six terrorists were neutralised during an encounter along the Zurmi-Jibia Road, while troops in Kebbi recovered an RPG launcher tube, improvised explosive device chargers and motorcycles from fleeing bandits.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped victims. Seven victims who had spent about two months in captivity escaped from a terrorist camp in Bagega Forest and were intercepted by troops in Gwashi, Zamfara State.
In Kaduna State, troops rescued two passengers abducted along the Kwagri highway, while operations in Zamfara led to the rescue of three more victims.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD arrested suspected terrorists and collaborators linked to kidnapping activities.
A major breakthrough came in Kwara State where troops arrested Mrs Hafsatu Alh Bello, the wife of suspected terrorist kingpin Auta Ilori, alongside her three children. Two other suspects, Lawali Oro and his wife Hauwa’u Muhammad, were also arrested.
The military said preliminary investigations showed that Mrs Bello had knowledge of her husband’s activities and provided useful information to investigators.
In Oyo State, four suspected terrorists were arrested near a Correctional Farm Centre in Ogbomoso. Investigators reportedly recovered photographs showing two suspects dressed in military camouflage and carrying AK-47 rifles.
Troops also arrested suspected terrorists linked to attacks in Niger and Kwara States, including Hussieni Minna and Sani Abbas, who were accused of belonging to criminal networks operating in the region.
Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons in Plateau and Kaduna States.
In Plateau State, troops raided Hurti village in Bokkos Local Government Area and arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler.
A separate operation in Riyom Local Government Area led to the arrest of Danjuma Yusuf, a dismissed police inspector, after troops discovered locally fabricated pistols, ammunition and photographs of him wearing police uniform.
In Kaduna State, another suspect, Francis Yakubu, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation with a fabricated pistol, ammunition and an AK-47 magazine.
Across Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued operations against kidnappers and criminal networks.
In Benue State, three suspected kidnappers were captured after a search operation following an abduction along the Ugbokolo-Aokpe Road.
Troops in Kogi State arrested Shu’aibu Isah, an alleged terrorist informant accused of providing intelligence on possible attack targets.
In Nasarawa State, troops intercepted a suspected arms courier along the Awe-Lafia Road with concealed 7.62mm ammunition.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of five victims from terrorists following an air strike on Kachallah Danguntu’s camp in Kogi State.
In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the fight against illegal oil activities and maritime crimes.
Troops in Akwa Ibom intercepted a truck carrying about 45,000 litres of illegally acquired crude oil, while a joint military and Tantita Security operation in Rivers State seized a wooden boat carrying 400 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil estimated at 20,000 litres.
In Bayelsa State, troops raided an illegal bunkering site in Yenagoa and recovered vehicles and other items.
The operation also targeted kidnapping networks in Edo State, where troops arrested suspected members of a ransom-seeking syndicate, including Abdulsalim Adama and Musadik Tanimu.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against criminal groups and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN).
Troops arrested Emeka Kalu Chiowa in Abia State, who was accused of serving as a logistician for the outlawed group.
In Imo State, troops arrested Chima Ejiofor Emmanuel, also known as “Moroco”, a suspected IPOB/ESN commander, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Okigwe.
The Nigerian Air Force also provided aerial support during the period, including a security mission following a technical fault involving the Abuja-Kaduna train service. A helicopter provided air cover along the rail corridor and surrounding areas.
Beyond combat operations, the military continued civil-military activities. Troops distributed 40 bags of fertiliser to farmers in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State as part of efforts to strengthen relations with host communities.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and coordination with other security agencies, assuring Nigerians that ongoing operations would continue until criminal networks are eliminated.
The military also urged citizens to provide timely and accurate information, stressing that national security remains a collective responsibility.
