By Harriet Tornguvan
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting criminal collaborators, and recovering weapons and other military grade equipment during coordinated operations conducted between May 28 and June 4, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military's sustained offensive operations, supported by strategic assets, joint land patrols, and close air support, have continued to degrade the operational capabilities of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, economic saboteurs, and arms traffickers across various theatres of operation.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major breakthroughs in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and parts of Bauchi states. Security forces arrested several suspected kidnappers, terrorist collaborators, and informants, while others surrendered following sustained military pressure.
Among those arrested was a suspected kidnapper in Biu, Borno State, who confessed to receiving two AK-47 rifles from terrorists previously neutralised by troops. He reportedly admitted using the weapons for kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities across several communities in Borno and neighbouring states.
Troops also apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and rescued individuals who escaped from Boko Haram and ISWAP camps. Several arrests of terrorist informants and collaborators were equally recorded in Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Borno states.
On June 4, troops conducting patrol operations in Wulgo, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralised a terrorist and uncovered evidence of support infrastructure used by insurgents. On the same day, two escapees from a terrorist enclave in Gwoza were rescued and reunited with their families at the Pulka Internally Displaced Persons camp, while three additional female escapees surrendered to military authorities.
In the North-West, troops successfully repelled terrorist activities in Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna states. Military operations led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, destruction of camps, and recovery of weapons and ammunition.
Troops also thwarted an attempted abduction of farmers in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, forcing the attackers to flee and abandon an AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine. In another operation, a notorious terrorist kingpin was arrested while allegedly hiding among traders at the Shinkafi weekly market.
The military recorded further successes under Operation Savannah Shield in Niger and Kwara states. Troops repelled a terrorist ambush in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, neutralising scores of terrorists and recovering 15 motorcycles and over 250 rounds of ammunition. Although four soldiers sustained minor injuries, troops successfully destroyed improvised explosive devices planted along their withdrawal route.
The operation also highlighted regional security cooperation as troops from the Republic of Benin joined Nigerian forces up to the border area during the operation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued five kidnapped passengers abandoned by abductors along a highway in Kaduna State. Two injured victims were evacuated to hospital, while efforts continue to locate two others still missing.
In the North Central region, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke maintained pressure on criminal networks operating across Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Benue, and surrounding areas. Security personnel neutralised a terrorist in Kogi State, arrested a suspected gunrunner in Taraba State, and dismantled illegal mining operations in Nasarawa State where explosives and mining equipment were recovered.
Troops also rescued kidnap victims and arrested suspected accomplices in Nasarawa State following coordinated operations with the Nigeria Police Force.
In Kogi State, security forces rescued a woman and her six-month-old child after pursuing kidnappers who had abducted five persons from a residence in Yagba West Local Government Area. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.
Operations under Delta Safe also yielded results in Edo and Delta states. Troops arrested several suspected kidnappers, including individuals allegedly plotting the abduction of a medical professional and the wife of a deceased senior military officer.
Additional operations led to the recovery of locally manufactured firearms, a fabricated pump-action gun, and motorcycles abandoned by criminal elements in Delta State.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia and Anambra states.
Security forces also responded to a hostage situation in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, rescuing village chiefs held captive during a community leadership dispute and arresting three suspects.
Major General Onoja said the sustained military operations had significantly weakened criminal networks, dismantled insurgent structures, intercepted illegal weapons, and rescued numerous citizens across the country.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces' commitment to operating within the provisions of international humanitarian law and constitutional rules of engagement while ensuring the protection of Nigeria's democratic values.
The Defence Headquarters urged members of the public to continue supporting security efforts by reporting suspicious activities through security agencies or the military's toll-free emergency line, 193.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, resilience, and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain ongoing operations until all those held captive are rescued and peace is restored across affected communities.
